The Third Prince’s Residence.

Under the moonlight, the Third Prince’s residence was hung full of red lanterns.

The people of the residence busily went in and out, preparing the reception banquet.

The banquet that was originally scheduled for tomorrow had been moved up to today, so That Tuo sent someone to notify Gong Shilin.

Gong Shilin had originally heard his father’s words telling him to visit the Third Prince less often, but when the Prince extended an invitation, he couldn’t not go.

So he took advantage of Left Prime Minister Gong’s inattention and quietly came to the Third Prince’s residence.

Within this one day, he had already come twice.

Ji Yinshu, Jingrong, and Li Cheng arrived by carriage. The Prince’s residence servants had long been waiting outside the gate.

They came forward to greet them: “The Prince is waiting in the main hall. Please.”

They enthusiastically welcomed them inside.

Upon reaching the main hall, Li Cheng immediately spotted Gong Shilin sitting in his seat.

This fellow was also here!

Not surprising really, after all, he was That Tuo’s good friend. For this banquet, how could he be absent?

That Tuo, seeing them arrive, rose to greet them and invited them to sit down.

Gong Shilin and Li Cheng sat on the left side, Jingrong and Ji Yinshu sat on the right side.

In the air, there was some awkwardness.

But That Tuo generously began introducing Gong Shilin: “Master Ji, Young Master Jing, this is this prince’s good friend Gong Shilin, the son of the current Left Prime Minister Gong, now serving at the Hanlin Academy!”

A great personage indeed.

Gong Shilin raised his hands and cupped them toward the two people opposite, saying: “I’ve long heard that Gao Ding City produced a Master Ji who can not only read bones and draw portraits but also examine corpses and uncover wrongful cases. Today, I’m finally fortunate enough to meet you.”

Ji Yinshu politely responded: “Lord Gong is too kind.”

The two nodded politely.

That Tuo then ordered people to bring out delicacies and raised his cup, saying: “Come, this prince toasts you all.”

Everyone raised their cups and drank.

Everything seemed very normal.

That Tuo suddenly began inquiring: “May I ask where Master Ji and Young Master Jing are from?”

Ji Yinshu was about to answer.

But Jingrong answered first: “A remote place, not worth mentioning.”

“Then what brings you to Gao Ding?”

“Visiting relatives.”

“I see.” That Tuo didn’t show the slightest hint of suspicion, yet asked again: “This prince sees that Young Master Jing has good bone structure. You must be a martial arts practitioner?”

Jingrong replied indifferently: “Just know a few fancy moves, that’s all.”

“Only for self-defense?”

“More or less.”

“This prince was thinking that Young Master Jing must be someone with strong martial arts skills. This prince’s residence just acquired several martial artists, and I was thinking of having you guide them a bit.”

“Your Highness flatters me.”

That Tuo smiled: “Very well then. Today is mainly to invite you to the residence to taste delicacies and listen to opera. No need for wielding swords and spears. Come, drink.”

He raised his cup again!

Ji Yinshu didn’t drink alcohol, so before her was placed only a cup of tea, which she drank several cups of in succession.

During this time, That Tuo asked Ji Yinshu and Jingrong many questions, undoubtedly probing into their backgrounds.

He also humbly sought advice on some bone-related questions.

Ji Yinshu was quite patient and answered them one by one.

That Tuo gained quite a bit.

Then singing girls came to sing, dancing girls to dance.

Quite lively!

While things were bustling here, on another side, it was exceptionally cold and quiet.

Jing Xuan lay on the bed, having just taken medicine and preparing to sleep.

Then she heard songs and musical instrument sounds faintly drifting from outside.

This morning, That Tuo had just stormed off in a great rage at her place, yet by evening, the residence was filled with song and dance again?

Could there be some joyous occasion at the Prince’s residence tonight?

Curious in her heart, she asked the maid who was lighting incense in the room: “Is there something happening at the residence today?”

The maid said: “Tonight, the Prince is hosting a banquet at the residence.”

“A banquet?”

“Yes! The residence hasn’t been this lively in quite a while. The last time it was this lively was when the Princess Consort married…” The maid’s voice abruptly stopped as she quickly swallowed the rest of her words.

Jing Xuan didn’t care and continued asking: “Who is he entertaining?”

“It’s a Master Ji who can read bones and draw portraits, and also invited a Young Master Jing who travels with her.” After the maid finished speaking, she seemed to suddenly realize something and quickly said: “The Princess Consort stays in the Prince’s residence all day, so you probably don’t know about this Master Ji yet. Recently, there was a case in the city that involved a case from six years ago. Now, it was precisely this Master Ji who investigated it, which is why the Prince is hosting a banquet for her tonight.”

Her face full of admiration!

Little did she know that Jing Xuan’s pale face now revealed an expression of shock.

Her hands resting on the bedsheet also involuntarily clenched tightly together!

Somewhat worried!

The maid didn’t notice her expression at all.

“Li’er,” Jing Xuan called out.

“What are the Princess Consort’s instructions?”

“Go find me a paper kite! One with bright colors.”

“A kite?” The maid’s movement of lighting incense paused. She turned to look at her: “What does the Princess Consort want a kite for?”

Jing Xuan forcibly suppressed her somewhat trembling voice and said: “I want to fly a kite.”

“It’s already quite late, and… it’s snowing lightly outside.”

“It doesn’t matter.”

“Better to wait until tomorrow.”

“Tonight! Go prepare it quickly!”

“But…”

“Can you not understand?” Jing Xuan suddenly let out a low roar, her gaze sharp.

The maid was so frightened her whole body trembled.

This was the first time she’d seen the Princess Consort like this.

So she didn’t dare drag her feet anymore and hurriedly said: “Yes, this servant will go prepare a kite for you right away.”

With that, she went out!

Jing Xuan’s heart rose and fell.

She dragged her weary body down from the bed, took a cloak, and also left the inner chamber.

At this time in the main hall, songs and dances continued.

Gong Shilin hadn’t said a word. Seeing them chatting happily, he quietly got up and left!

Little did he know that as soon as he left, Li Cheng followed right behind him.

Because Gong Shilin had drunk quite a bit of tea, he really needed to urinate, so he went to the privy.

After squatting for a while, just as he pulled up his pants and came out—

“Hey!” A voice came from the side.

Uh!

He was so startled his hair stood on end, his face instantly turning deathly pale.

He stared blankly at Li Cheng, who was now standing outside the privy.

“What are you doing? You scared me.”

“You haven’t done anything guilty, so what are you afraid of?”

“Even if I had done something guilty, I still couldn’t withstand your frightening me like that!”

“Is it that serious? No one died!” Li Cheng walked over with a look of disdain on his face, then patted his arm and back, grabbed his wrist and looked him over in a circle, saying: “You’re perfectly fine, aren’t you? All three souls and six spiritual essences are still there.”

Gong Shilin disgustedly shook off his hand: “What did you come here with me for?”

“What for?” Li Cheng frowned. “You’ve already forgotten what you promised me?”

“What?”

“The imperial edict!”

Oh!

Gong Shilin revealed a look of sudden realization, then said: “I only said I would consider it. Even if I agreed to help you, it requires time. Do you think an imperial edict can be obtained so easily?”

“Good boy, you’re toying with me?” Li Cheng was furious.

Gong Shilin straightened his expression and stood up straight: “I’m not like you, casually making fun of people! In any case, if I can help you, I definitely will.”

“Good, I’ll wait a few more days for you. If you still drag your feet and can’t get it done, I’ll pull out your front teeth and feed them to pigs.” A naked threat!