This bit of commotion in Ming Qi ultimately could not be kept hidden from the world.

The news that Huangfu Hao had died at the Crown Prince’s hands somehow began to spread in the marketplace. Emperor Wenhui wanted to keep Huangfu Hao’s guards under house arrest. Now the situation had become uncontrollable—if they couldn’t contain it, chaos would surely ensue.

But how could the people of the Qin Prince Mansion sit idly by awaiting their doom? The news was transmitted to the Qin Emperor’s ears. In just a few short days, someone rode back at full speed with a message, vowing that Emperor Wenhui must provide an explanation, or they would send troops to raze Ming Qi to the ground!

If it were the Qin of earlier times, Ming Qi might still have been able to resist. But now with Da Liang’s ambitions unclear, lurking like a tiger watching its prey, and with Qin added to the mix, Ming Qi was truly finished this time.

With irrefutable evidence, Emperor Wenhui had no choice but to imprison the Crown Prince as well. Although he specifically arranged for the Crown Prince to be well-treated, it was ultimately a step toward sacrificing a pawn to save the king.

So Emperor Wenhui, as he aged, had finally lost the decisiveness of his youth. Not to mention how his other sons would view this action, even the court officials would feel disheartened. For self-preservation, despite knowing there was something suspicious about the Crown Prince assassinating Huangfu Hao, he still imprisoned the Crown Prince.

In truth, Emperor Wenhui couldn’t be blamed. He imprisoned the Crown Prince not only to demonstrate his stance to the Qin Emperor and temporarily appease his anger but also for the Crown Prince’s safety. Those guards of Huangfu Hao were watching like tigers, determined to avenge him. If the Crown Prince were careless one day, it wasn’t impossible that he might die at the hands of those guards. Now, as a prisoner, with so many people guarding him in jail, nothing untoward would happen.

Unfortunately, no one understood Emperor Wenhui’s thinking, and because of his actions, even the Empress couldn’t sit still.

The Empress entered Yangxin Palace, furiously questioning: “Your Majesty knows the Crown Prince has been wrongly accused. Why imprison him? Has Your Majesty considered how the court officials will view him after this?”

Emperor Wenhui frowned. He deeply disliked being questioned like this and said: “I have my plans.”

Emperor Wenhui still retained some courtesy toward the Empress. She was his official wife. Back when the late Emperor was alive, the struggle for succession was as fierce as it is today. Without the support of the Empress’s family, Emperor Wenhui might not have reached his current position. Now, the Empress’s family had been deliberately stripped of power by Emperor Wenhui, eliminating any possibility of relatives wielding political influence. Therefore, Emperor Wenhui was willing to show the Empress some courtesy, especially since she was the Crown Prince’s birth mother.

Privately, the Empress was indeed a decent Empress, not jealous or petty, and managed the inner palace well.

“I beg Your Majesty to reconsider,” the Empress said. “The Crown Prince will face the court officials in the future. Your actions will cause the common people to misunderstand!” In the past, the Empress would never have contradicted Emperor Wenhui’s decisions, but a mother is particularly sensitive when it comes to her son. The Empress wouldn’t allow any blemish on the Crown Prince’s future, not even a drop of dirty water.

Moreover, this wasn’t an ordinary mistake. The accusation of murdering the Qin Crown Prince, once proven true, would make it difficult for Fu Xiuyan to even preserve his life. Although the Empress didn’t interfere in state affairs, it didn’t mean she was ignorant of them. Once she sensed any dangerous signs, she would extinguish them before they could develop.

Emperor Wenhui had been dealing with this matter for days, feeling extremely troubled, and the Empress was disturbing him at this moment. He impatiently said: “I don’t need you to dictate how I handle matters!”

The Empress’s heart skipped a beat. Having been Emperor Wenhui’s wife for so many years, she naturally knew his temperament. She immediately softened her expression, changing from her previous questioning manner, and spoke gently: “I know Your Majesty is troubled, and I was impulsive just now. I’m just worried about the Crown Prince… Remember when he was young and struggled with his studies? The Imperial Tutor couldn’t teach him, but Your Majesty personally guided him to success. In the Crown Prince’s heart, Your Majesty is most wise and powerful. Now, both Your Majesty and I know this matter has nothing to do with the Crown Prince. He is gentle and kind-hearted—how could he kill someone? And even if he were to kill, he wouldn’t foolishly do it in broad daylight as an assassin. Your Majesty, the Crown Prince is innocent. You are his father—can you watch him bear false accusations and infamy?”

This conciliatory speech did have some effect. Emperor Wenhui’s expression softened. Among his nine princes, he most wanted to support the Crown Prince and naturally didn’t want him to fall here in vain. Just as he was about to speak, a palace maid announced from outside: “Your Majesty, Imperial Noble Consort Xu has arrived.”

The Empress maintained her composure, but her hands hidden in her sleeves clenched tightly. Among the palace consorts, Imperial Noble Consort Xu was the most arrogant. Because she had given birth to the twin princes—Prince Zhou and Prince Jing—and was usually pampered, with a charming appearance, she held Emperor Wenhui’s heart firmly despite her overbearing behavior.

The Empress was well aware of the ambitions of Prince Zhou and Prince Jing. Imperial Noble Consort Xu naturally hoped her sons could ascend to that position, so once the Crown Prince was in trouble, she wouldn’t miss this opportunity to kick him while he was down.

Imperial Noble Consort Xu walked in gracefully. Even after bearing two sons, her beauty hadn’t diminished at all. It was said that she bathed in sheep’s milk daily, keeping her skin smooth and firm, with a mature charm beyond the naivety of sixteen-year-old girls. Among the three thousand beauties in the palace, Imperial Noble Consort Xu’s beauty was indeed enviable, no wonder Emperor Wenhui still doted on her despite knowing her arrogance.

Upon entering, Imperial Noble Consort Xu paid her respects to Emperor Wenhui and the Empress. Then she smiled and said: “Recently, Your Majesty hasn’t been in good spirits. I had the imperial kitchen’s pastry chef make some Purple Snow Bird’s Nest for Your Majesty to taste. I didn’t expect Elder Sister to be here as well.”

The Empress smiled faintly, not wishing to engage further. But how could Imperial Noble Consort Xu miss this opportunity? Looking toward the Empress, she asked: “Elder Sister, you’re here to see His Majesty today… It’s not about the Crown Prince, is it?”

Before Emperor Wenhui could speak, the Empress raised her eyebrows angrily and said: “Sister, you’re overstepping your boundaries!”

Imperial Noble Consort Xu covered her mouth and laughed, looking at the silent Emperor Wenhui, then at the Empress, before speaking leisurely: “Normally, I shouldn’t speak of such matters. But His Majesty is already worried, and how can Elder Sister not understand His Majesty’s feelings, coming to disturb him at this critical time?” As she instructed her attendants to put down the basket she was carrying, she continued: “The Crown Prince’s matter concerns more than one life. The Qin Crown Prince died under suspicious circumstances, with only the Crown Prince and the Qin Crown Prince present. I naturally believe our Crown Prince wouldn’t do such a heinous act, but evidence is needed!”

“If we can’t provide evidence, how can we convince everyone? Moreover, the Qin side is watching closely. If His Majesty heeds Elder Sister’s words and releases the Crown Prince, who knows what waves this might cause in Qin. Elder Sister cannot think only of herself and the Crown Prince; she must also consider the common people.” Imperial Noble Consort Xu spoke with concern, yet her words made the Empress’s face change color.

“Silence!” the Empress shouted.

Imperial Noble Consort Xu pretended to be frightened, stepping back a little, and looked at Emperor Wenhui with a pitiful expression: “Your Majesty, I kindly tried to advise Elder Sister, but she doesn’t appreciate it. I’m truly wronged!”

Emperor Wenhui was overwhelmed. At this moment, he didn’t want to see anyone. He knew Imperial Noble Consort Xu’s words were meant to sow discord and make things difficult for the Crown Prince, but he couldn’t deny that what she said was factual. The Crown Prince’s situation no longer concerned just him but also Qin’s attitude. Ming Qi couldn’t afford any mistakes this time. If this matter weren’t handled well, who could say what disasters it would bring to Ming Qi in the future?

Thinking of this, Emperor Wenhui felt irritated at the thought of the Crown Prince, which extended to his impatience with the Empress. He said to the Empress and Imperial Noble Consort Xu: “Both of you, leave. I want to be alone.”

The Empress had finally waited for Emperor Wenhui to relent, only to have Imperial Noble Consort Xu interfere and ruin everything. Still unwilling to give up, before she could speak, Imperial Noble Consort Xu quickly said: “Since Your Majesty wishes not to be disturbed, we shall withdraw. Please take care of your health, Your Majesty, and don’t be too troubled by this.”

Emperor Wenhui waved his hand without even looking up.

Reluctantly, the Empress had to leave with Imperial Noble Consort Xu.

Once outside Yangxin Palace, the Empress stopped and looked at Imperial Noble Consort Xu with a cold smile: “I know what you’re thinking. But the sons you bore will never replace my son.”

Imperial Noble Consort Xu smiled and said: “Elder Sister’s words are too harsh. The Crown Prince is precious, and I sincerely hope for his well-being. The brotherhood between them is harmonious; there’s no talk of replacement.” She giggled again, enjoying the Empress’s seemingly irritated expression, and said: “The one I’ve always wanted to replace is you, Elder Sister.” With that, she smoothed a pearl flower by her temples and walked away with alluring grace.

The Empress stood alone, grinding her teeth in anger.

The news of the Empress and Imperial Noble Consort Xu entering Yangxin Palace one after another quickly reached others’ ears.

Consort Dong sat on a couch, listening to a maid play the zither. The music depicted high mountains and flowing water, bubbling springs, and majestic peaks—a beautiful scene. She didn’t like to compete with others, believed in Buddhism, and when not at the temple, she would embroider and listen to music in her side palace, seeming more like an outsider than a consort. She was the most overlooked among the four consorts, making people wonder how she became one of them at all.

Sitting beside her was a man in a jade-colored brocade robe, smiling slightly, listening intently, as if immersed in the music for some time.

When the piece ended, the maid holding the zither expressed her gratitude. Consort Dong waved her hand, and her palace maid brought rewards, escorting the musician out.

After everyone had left the side palace, Fu Xiuyi smiled and said: “Mother Consort seems particularly happy today.”

“The Empress couldn’t sit still,” Consort Dong smiled. “She went to Yangxin Palace to plead for the Crown Prince, and Imperial Noble Consort Xu followed. Now that Imperial Noble Consort Xu and the Empress are almost at odds, it’s certainly worth celebrating.”

Fu Xiuyi smiled along: “With the Crown Prince fallen, Imperial Noble Consort Xu naturally wouldn’t miss this opportunity. Prince Zhou and Prince Jing want to replace the Crown Prince, so Imperial Noble Consort Xu will certainly exert herself in the inner palace.”

“But it’s not a good method,” Consort Dong took a sip of tea. “However, how can the fisherman benefit without the sandpiper and the clam fighting each other?”

Mother and son laughed together.

Fu Xiuyi’s features resembled Consort Dong’s more. Usually looking stern, when he smiled, he appeared gentle and soft, making it impossible for anyone to harbor suspicions against him.

Consort Dong asked: “How have you been lately?”

Fu Xiuyi smiled: “I’ve discovered some interesting secrets and am investigating. I expect results soon.”

Consort Dong looked at him reproachfully: “You’ve always been resourceful, so I won’t worry too much about these matters. Speaking of which, you should be married by now. You’re not young anymore, and if you delay further, people might use it against you. Imperial Noble Consort Xu and the others would love for you to marry a powerless woman as your Princess Consort.” Consort Dong sighed, saying: “Originally, that Shen Miao admired you, and I thought if she continued to admire you, eventually letting her enter our door, you would at least have the Shen family’s support. Unexpectedly, the world is unpredictable. Not only did her feelings change later, but even now, you can’t afford a connection with the Shen family.”

Fu Xiuyi smiled: “Though I can’t afford it, no one in Ming Qi can. Whichever of my brothers, except the Crown Prince, aligns with the Shen family would incur Father Emperor’s suspicion. The Crown Prince originally had victory in hand, but unexpected events occurred. Perhaps heaven is on our side.” He showed no regret, merely saying: “No powerful official family in Ming Qi will ally with the Shen family. Although the Shen family is wealthy and influential, Shen Miao may not marry well.”

Consort Dong sighed: “Indeed.” Then she remembered something: “But the Crown Prince has fallen heavily this time. The Huangfu Hao incident certainly won’t be resolved easily. Do you think this was done by the Prince Zhou and Prince Jing brothers, or by Prince Li?”

Fu Xiuyi didn’t form factions because he didn’t trust his brothers and had always risen alone. Originally, Prince Zhou’s faction and Prince Li’s faction fought most intensely. Now, with Emperor Wenhui intending to support the Crown Prince, even considering a marriage alliance with the Shen family, Prince Zhou and Prince Li became anxious. Who would have thought the Crown Prince would suddenly emerge as a contender? The Crown Prince became their strong rival, so naturally, they would spare no effort to eliminate him.

This time, with the Crown Prince allegedly killing Huangfu Hao, discerning people could see something suspicious. Most likely, the Crown Prince had been schemed against. Calculating, Prince Zhou and Prince Li were the most likely culprits.

But such blatant scheming didn’t seem to be their usual style.

Fu Xiuyi shook his head: “It might not be them.”

Hearing this, Consort Dong was startled and asked: “If not them, who else could it be?”

Fu Xiuyi’s mind conjured the faces of Prince Rui and Shen Miao.

Between Prince Rui and Shen Miao, there must be some unspeakable relationship. Although it wasn’t clear what maintained this relationship, it was evident that anything related to Shen Miao had a master behind it, and all signs pointed to Prince Rui.

Previously, when Emperor Wenhui had the Empress test the Shen family by spreading rumors about Shen Miao marrying into the Crown Prince’s residence, Prince Rui soon spoke ambiguous words to Emperor Wenhui, making him abandon the idea of having Shen Miao marry immediately.

Now, this incense appreciation plot was aimed at Shen Miao. Yet, with both Huangfu Hao and the Crown Prince suffering, Shen Miao remained unscathed. It was heard that Shen Miao was supposed to go to Yifeng Pavilion that day, but had been delayed after hitting an elderly woman on the way. How could it be such a coincidence? Could it be that this time, too, Prince Rui was manipulating everything from behind?

If it was Prince Rui’s doing, despite being in Ming Qi, he dared to act so boldly, scheming against two Crown Princes—this Prince Rui was truly chilling.

Seeing Fu Xiuyi lost in thought, Consort Dong asked: “What’s wrong?”

Fu Xiuyi came back to his senses and said: “Nothing.” Suddenly standing up, he looked at Consort Dong: “Son suddenly remembered some matters and won’t chat with Mother Consort anymore.”

“Business first,” Consort Dong said. “You may go.”

Meanwhile, thank heavens, Ji Yushu and Gao Yang were finally released from the tower prison.

During these days, watching over prisoners in the tower prison, they had witnessed all sorts of methods. Gao Yang fared slightly better, but Ji Yushu, being delicate, had lost a considerable amount of weight. It wasn’t for any particular reason other than feeling nauseated daily and being unable to eat—it would have been strange not to lose weight.

Finally released, the two held hands, looking at each other with tearful eyes, speechless with emotion. After a while, Ji Yushu said, “I need to return to Fengxian Pawnshop to bathe and change clothes. Farewell for now.” With that, he ran off like the wind.

Gao Yang sighed, looking at his grimy appearance, feeling dejected. Xie Jingxing was so heartless, not a slight oversight, to have them sent to the tower prison. The tower prison was a place even Iron Robe couldn’t withstand the first time!

Not to mention people like him and Ji Yushu, who were used to comfort.

Ji Yushu returned to Fengxian Pawnshop and first had Hongluan prepare bath water. After a nice bath and some refreshments, he went to his study. Upon entering, he was almost driven out by the dust. Ji Yushu’s study was off-limits to servants because it contained many confidential matters. Therefore, no one had come to clean during these days. Ji Yushu initially thought of asking Hongluan to tidy up but decided against it. He resignedly picked up a broom and started cleaning himself.

Once it was barely presentable, Ji Yushu sat down at his desk and noticed a thick stack of letters. He began to go through them. By the time he reached the last one, Ji Yushu was almost dozing off, but as he read, his drowsiness vanished, and his expression gradually became serious.

Pei Lang had been imprisoned by Fu Xiuyi! Pei Lang’s identity had been exposed!

Goodness! Such a major event, did anyone know? Was anyone going to rescue him?

Probably not. Observing Pei Lang was Ji Yushu’s private action. Fundamentally, he was just curious about why Shen Miao wanted Pei Lang to be a spy in Fu Xiuyi’s circle. Although Pei Lang had some talent, being a spy required great loyalty. Fu Xiuyi was skilled at managing subordinates—wasn’t Shen Miao worried about Pei Lang being turned? More importantly, Shen Miao’s relationship with Pei Lang was only average before, so why was she confident in making such a decision?

He hadn’t expected that this impulsive action would prove useful now.

Ji Yushu turned to leave and show the letter to Xie Jingxing, but after standing up, he paused.

“Third Brother won’t lock me up again, will he?” Ji Yushu muttered.

Xie Jingxing had imprisoned Ji Yushu and Gao Yang because they had neglected to report to him when the Empress summoned Shen Miao to the palace to test her about marrying the Crown Prince. In response, Xie Jingxing had thrown them directly into the tower prison.

“Third Brother values Miss Shen highly, and this Pei Lang seems to have feelings for Miss Shen, even saying he wants to marry her. So Pei Lang is Third Brother’s rival. Since he’s a competitor, if I tell Third Brother now, will he beat me? Third Brother probably doesn’t want to save him.” Ji Yushu mumbled to himself: “Just like how I dislike Miss Shaohua always smiling at the Prime Minister’s son. Later, when the Prime Minister’s son was thrown from his horse and injured, I was quite pleased.” Ji Yushu, judging others by himself, concluded: “For now, I won’t tell Third Brother about this. Since no new message has arrived, he probably isn’t dead yet. Let him stay there a bit longer.”

Ji Yushu thought he was doing well, not knowing how his actions would affect the future.

As leaders of the Military Department and City Guard, Shen Qiu and Luo Ling had been extremely busy these days. Huangfu Hao was dead, leaving behind a heap of problems. Regarding the guards from the Qin Prince Mansion, killing them would displease the Qin Emperor, but not killing them meant they would continue seeking justice for Huangfu Hao, spreading rumors among the commoners that the Crown Prince was the murderer, causing chaos in Dingjing.

They couldn’t kill them, so they could only keep them under house arrest. But the Qin Crown Prince’s guards were personally selected by the Qin Emperor to protect Huangfu Hao. Their abilities weren’t those of ordinary people—guarded at the Qin Prince Mansion one day, they might find a way to escape the next. To prevent chaos, the City Guard forces were doubled, patrolling throughout Dingjing, fearing that the Qin guards might harm innocent civilians out of anger.

By the time today’s work was completed, it was nearly evening. Shen Qiu and Luo Ling walked side by side on the street. Normally, with the New Year approaching, Dingjing’s streets would be bustling, but due to Huangfu Hao’s incident, the citizens had been advised by the City Guard to close their doors and return home early. Though it wasn’t yet night, the streets were already sparsely populated.

Shen Qiu sighed: “If the Ministry of Justice doesn’t come up with a solution soon, the City Guard won’t be able to hold on.”

With the Crown Prince imprisoned, the Qin Emperor was demanding an explanation on one side, while Emperor Wenhui was reluctant to part with his only eldest legitimate son on the other, but it was the common people who suffered.

“This New Year won’t be peaceful,” Luo Ling shook his head. “Whatever the outcome, Dingjing is likely to face unrest.”

The two looked at each other, both seeing the worry in each other’s eyes.

Shen Qiu said: “Let’s not talk about this. Yesterday, I heard Mother say that we need to reconsider my sister’s marriage. Although we don’t need to worry about the Crown Prince for now, the more chaotic the situation, the more people will use the Shen family as a stepping stone. My sister’s status is special, bound to attract covetous eyes. If her marriage isn’t settled soon, it might be difficult in the future.”

Hearing this, Luo Ling was stunned, but before he could speak, Shen Qiu asked: “Cousin, what do you think?”

“Me?” Luo Ling’s face reddened slightly. “Don’t you already know my thoughts, Cousin?”

Shen Qiu exclaimed and put an arm around Luo Ling’s shoulders, saying: “You’re a martial artist, raised in the military under your uncle. Why do you sound like those sentimental scholars when talking about these matters?” He continued: “I find you good in all aspects, except that you’re too shy. In such matters, if you don’t speak to my sister, do you expect her to approach you first?”

Luo Ling smiled awkwardly.

Shen Qiu advised earnestly: “My sister’s temperament may seem gentle and compliant on the surface, but she’s proud and stubborn at heart. If you’re hoping my sister will take the initiative to find you, you might as well forget it. A real man, if you like her, just go for it. Although you can’t beat me,” Shen Qiu looked at Luo Ling somewhat critically, “given the current circumstances, you’re barely qualified. If you become my brother-in-law, I’ll accept it.”

Shen Qiu spoke boldly, but Luo Ling became increasingly bashful, saying: “This also requires your sister’s consent.”

“How will my sister know your thoughts if you don’t express them?” Shen Qiu glared. “First and foremost, you need to find an opportunity to make your feelings clear to my sister. Cousin, I’ll be frank with you. Su Mingfeng, that fellow, was previously ill—I don’t like him. Feng Zixian, well, last time his family nearly caused my sister’s death, so I won’t mention him either. All things considered, you’re not bad.”

“Thank you, Cousin,” Luo Ling smiled. “If there’s an opportunity, I will definitely—”

Before Shen Qiu could say more, they saw a magnificent horse suddenly galloping from the other end of the street. The horse’s coat was so sleek that it stood out even in the dim evening street. Heroes and good horses go together—Shen Qiu and Luo Ling couldn’t help but be drawn to it.

The rider was also gallant, appearing distinguished from afar. As he approached Shen Qiu and Luo Ling, he suddenly reined in his horse. The horse reared, front hooves raised, but the rider sat steadily, demonstrating superb horsemanship—a beautiful sight. Shen Qiu couldn’t help but exclaim: “Excellent!”

The person on the horse said: “Young General Shen.”

Shen Qiu was startled.

On the magnificent horse sat a person wearing a luxurious purple and gold flowing robe, which appeared even more radiant under the lantern light. His figure was tall and straight. On his face, he wore a silver mask, revealing fine features. His chin was smooth, his lips thin and slightly curved upward, and his eyes, looking down, conveyed a somewhat flirtatious charm.

“Prince Rui!” Shen Qiu and Luo Ling quickly bowed to this person. They had seen Prince Rui at court and knew this attire was unmistakably his. Moreover, this carefree and unrestrained aura was unique to Prince Rui.

Prince Rui said: “No need for formalities. I thought I was mistaken, but it truly is Young General Shen. I stopped to greet you.” He addressed only Shen Qiu, not looking at Luo Ling.

Shen Qiu felt somewhat flattered. This Prince Rui usually showed no respect even to Emperor Wenhui, yet he would actively greet him and speak so politely. While Shen Qiu was cautiously wary of any tricks, he also felt a sense of self-satisfaction.

Could it be that his reputation as a young general had spread so widely that even Da Liang’s Prince Rui was admiring him?

He didn’t notice Luo Ling’s suddenly pale face.

At Prince Rui’s waist hung a safety pendant that looked strangely familiar.