Qin Wan and Yan Chi exchanged glances, both frowning simultaneously. Xiu’er’s hands became mutilated only after torture, so why would Consort Jin’s hands be in such a state? Could it have been Prince Jin?

With this thought, Yan Chi furrowed his brows and asked, “You saw this yourself?”

Yan Sui continued sobbing, his voice still childlike, “I… I saw it…”

Qin Wan finally couldn’t hold back anymore, “Your Highness, where were you when the incident occurred?”

Perhaps because Qin Wan had just wiped his tears, Yan Sui looked at her without fear, “That night… that night I went to the palace banquet with my nanny, but Mother never arrived, and then…”

As he spoke, Yan Sui’s expression changed, and he buried his head in Yan Chi’s shoulder, crying sorrowfully without saying more.

Seeing this, Qin Wan sighed, “Don’t be afraid, Your Highness. It’s all in the past, it’s all in the past…”

Just then, an elderly nanny carrying a hand warmer came running from a distance. She appeared to be searching for someone, and upon seeing Yan Sui in Yan Chi’s arms, she immediately walked over.

“Greetings to Young Master. The Ninth Prince suddenly disappeared, causing this servant much worry in searching.”

Seeing the nanny arrive, Yan Sui immediately turned to be held by her, and Yan Chi finally handed him over.

“In such cold weather, why was he alone outside?”

The nanny lovingly stroked Yan Sui’s back, then said self-reproachfully, “His Highness said he wanted to see the snow, so this servant accompanied him out. After leaving Shoukang Palace, it felt too cold outside, so I told His Highness to wait while I fetched a hand warmer. But when I returned, His Highness was gone. This servant followed the path to the Imperial Garden before finding him…”

Yan Sui clung to the nanny’s shoulder, clearly trusting her deeply. Yan Chi observed keenly, “Take him back quickly. It’s too cold outside, and he’s been crying. Don’t let him catch a chill.”

The nanny hurriedly curtsied in agreement and then carried Yan Sui swiftly back to Shoukang Palace.

Yan Chi and Qin Wan walked at a measured pace, watching Yan Sui’s small head remain buried in the nanny’s shoulder without lifting.

Qin Wan narrowed her eyes and said coolly, “The Ninth Prince lost his mother at such a young age. It’s truly pitiful.” She continued, unable to hold back, “Don’t you find it strange? His Highness just mentioned that Consort Jin’s hands were injured when she died.”

After a pause, she added, “And why do people in the palace say Noble Consort Su killed Consort Jin?”

Hearing this, Yan Chi slowed his pace even further, “Indeed, it is strange. When I returned to the capital, this matter had just concluded. Initially, I only inquired about how the case unfolded. Later, I was urgently dispatched to the south, so I just left someone to investigate the details. About a month later, I received news, but almost nothing I wanted to know was discovered. When I previously discussed this case with you several times, I knew very little.”

Qin Wan stopped in her tracks, “Nothing was discovered?”

Yan Chi explained, “Nothing after Prince Jin’s imprisonment was discovered. However, I heard some details about the incident itself after returning to the capital, plus what my people investigated, and even after I returned, I asked Nanny Chen again, so I do know some things now.”

“That day, the Empress held a palace banquet for the ladies, including palace consorts and ladies from several Duke and Marquis households. The same evening, the Emperor also held a feast in the outer court, attended by various princes and close ministers. The outer court feast ended early, and just as the inner court banquet was about to begin, Consort Jin was nowhere to be seen.”

“The Ninth Prince, being young, was taken to the inner court banquet. When his mother didn’t arrive for a long time, he became upset and wanted to go find her. The Empress, worried, sent several palace servants to take the Ninth Prince to Consort Jin’s Yongning Palace. Upon returning to Yongning Palace, they were told Consort Jin had gone to Hanguang Hall and hadn’t returned. The servants took the Ninth Prince to Hanguang Hall, and just as they reached outside, they found Consort Jin lying in a pool of blood, with Prince Jin standing beside her corpse, holding the dagger that killed her.”

Qin Wan completely stopped walking. This was the first time she had heard the complete account of the incident from Yan Chi. She knew before that Prince Jin was caught red-handed, but she hadn’t imagined it was under such circumstances.

“Prince Jin was standing by Consort Jin’s corpse with the dagger?”

Yan Chi nodded, “Correct. At that time, the palace maids were in chaos, the Ninth Prince burst into tears, which attracted the palace guards. Then the Empress learned of the news, ended the banquet, and rushed to Yongning Palace with her attendants. The Emperor soon arrived as well. By the time everyone arrived, Consort Jin was already cold. Prince Jin had been drinking that night, and when questioned, only said that he had accidentally wandered in while slightly drunk, saw Consort Jin stabbed, and picked up the dagger trying to save her. That’s when he was discovered.”

Qin Wan raised an eyebrow, “Were there no attendants in Yongning Palace? What about Consort Jin’s maids? What did they know?”

Yan Chi immediately replied, “This is also the strangest part. At the time, Consort Jin’s attendants and maids were all kept in the main hall… Hanguang Hall is the westernmost side hall of Yongning Palace, not Consort Jin’s sleeping quarters. It normally only stored her treasured jewelry and paintings. That night, Consort Jin came to Hanguang Hall alone, refusing to let anyone follow. Because of this, no one knows what happened that night. Although Yongning Palace has a main gate, it only leads to the main hall. The other side halls are accessible from all directions, so no one knows how Prince Jin reached Hanguang Hall, but he was caught with the murder weapon in plain sight.”

His voice deepened, “Prince Jin was imprisoned in the imperial prison that night, and later died there.”

Qin Wan frowned deeply, “From what you’re saying, how did Consort Jin’s fingers get injured? Was it from struggling against the dagger?” Qin Wan instinctively thought of this, but she hadn’t seen the wounds herself and couldn’t know what they looked like. Now, there was no possibility of examining the body or investigating the crime scene.

Yan Chi, also not an eyewitness, shook his head, “This naturally cannot be confirmed now. Because the case occurred in the inner palace, the entire case cannot be judged by normal standards. The case was later handed to Chief Justice Shen Yi, but because it involved the royal family, a favored consort, and a prince, the Emperor ordered a swift conclusion.”

Qin Wan understood in her heart. Prince Jin had been drinking that day and was then found having killed Consort Jin. Many rumors spread in the palace – some said Consort Jin and Prince Jin had an affair, some said Prince Jin went mad from drinking, and others said Prince Jin killed her after failing to take advantage of her. With Consort Jin dead, all accusations naturally pointed to Prince Jin. When her father took the case, he was deeply troubled, saying it was difficult to handle a case involving royal scandal, and the Emperor, fearing the matter would cause waves, kept pressing for results. Eventually, her father’s worried expression grew deeper.

“Consort Jin entered the palace seven years ago, being the youngest consort. Because both her appearance and temperament pleased the Emperor, she was made a consort two years later. After giving birth to the Ninth Prince, she became even more favored. Before Consort Jin, Noble Consort Su was the most favored. Although Consort Jin’s appearance didn’t cause Noble Consort Su to lose favor, she did take away some of Noble Consort Su’s original favor. Therefore, Noble Consort Su and Consort Jin had some rivalry early on. After the case was concluded, people brought up how Prince Jin never frequented the inner palace, leading to speculation that both Consort Jin and Prince Jin might have been framed…”

Qin Wan narrowed her eyes, “Regardless, Consort Jin’s death benefited Noble Consort Su the most, so that’s why rumors spread about Noble Consort Su killing Consort Jin?”

Yan Chi nodded, and Qin Wan laughed bitterly, “But Prince Jin committed suicide out of guilt.”

Yan Chi’s eyes grew somber, “I always felt Prince Jin wouldn’t commit suicide out of guilt.”

“I remember you saying Prince Jin had a detached nature and no interest in the throne.”

Yan Chi nodded, “Indeed. Although he wasn’t the eldest legitimate son, he was a diligent person. He handled all tasks assigned by the Emperor conscientiously. Because of this, he had quite a reputation for virtue in court. Additionally, having no maternal relatives’ support, even though he had no interest in the throne, there were still some voices in court supporting him as Crown Prince, though he didn’t care. Moreover, his nature was honest and upright, sometimes to the point of being inflexible. Because of this, I always felt he wouldn’t be the type to commit suicide out of guilt. Given his character, if he had done it, he would have honestly admitted it and accepted the Ministry of Justice’s judgment.”

Qin Wan took a shallow breath, momentarily unable to respond.

She didn’t understand Consort Jin or Prince Jin. Apart from being certain her father wouldn’t pervert justice, everything else remained vague to her. Qin Wan clearly understood that trying to solve the case with such limited knowledge was impossible.

“What’s wrong? Thinking about Shen Yi’s case again?”

Qin Wan came back to herself to find Yan Chi looking at her with concerned eyes. She tugged at her lips, “I haven’t thought that far yet. Consort Jin’s case was the starting point. Originally, I was too far from the capital, mostly lamenting Lord Shen’s fate and questioning whether he truly showed favoritism. But now that I’m in the palace, especially after hearing what the Ninth Prince said, I suddenly feel Consort Jin’s case seems full of doubts too. Why did Consort Jin dismiss everyone when she went to Hanguang Hall that night? Was she meeting Prince Jin?”

“There are such rumors in the palace,” Yan Chi nodded.

Qin Wan exhaled, “So, these are all suspicious points, but because the case involved imperial consorts and princes, everything that couldn’t be revealed to the public was covered up. My doubts are ultimately futile.”

In Yan Chi’s view, Qin Wan naturally possessed a heart that sought the truth in all matters. With such obvious doubts before them, even he found it strange, let alone Qin Wan. Yan Chi understood completely, “This matter has become taboo in the palace. Though we cannot investigate openly, if I learn anything, I’ll tell you. I didn’t know Consort Jin, but Prince Jin was my elder brother whom I’ve known since childhood. If there’s any way to investigate, I will certainly uncover the truth.”

Qin Wan felt somewhat reassured, yet a vague worry remained. This case was mysterious and difficult to discern. If Yan Chi maintained his investigative intentions and the Emperor discovered it, wouldn’t that bring him misfortune?

“Investigate if you must, but don’t let the Emperor know.”

Seeing Qin Wan say this, Yan Chi smiled, “Now you’re the one reminding me? Don’t worry, I understand.”

Qin Wan nodded, forcing herself to remain calm.

Her father’s case was more complex than any she had seen before, with one case nested within another. The crux of her father’s false accusation remained unknown. Was Prince Jin wrongly accused, or did someone try to exonerate Prince Jin by framing her father? Qin Wan felt surrounded by thick fog, with the truth still far, far away.

“The wind is strong outside. Let’s head back quickly.”

Yan Chi spoke again, and Qin Wan nodded, heading toward Shoukang Palace. As they walked, Qin Wan glanced up at Yan Chi briefly. If it were anyone else, she would have asked them to help investigate the old case, but with Yan Chi, she only wanted to steady her heart and plan each step carefully. Xiu’er’s fate would certainly not be good, and she had seen another cruel aspect of the palace.

“I wonder if the Ninth Prince will tell others.”

After walking a few steps, Qin Wan suddenly spoke. Yan Chi seemed to sigh lightly, “He probably won’t. Children raised in the palace naturally develop more discretion than others. It’s been several months since the incident, and he’s living well in Shoukang Palace.”

Qin Wan nodded, “That’s good—”

As she spoke, Yan Chi turned to look at her, “Were you frightened?”

Qin Wan laughed at his words, “I’m not the Ninth Prince.”

Yan Chi’s tone grew gentler, “You’re pure and innocent. You surely never imagined the palace would be like this. Besides, in my eyes, how are you any different from a child? If possible, I wouldn’t want you to see such things.”

Qin Wan’s smile deepened. Yan Chi speaking this way, truly treating her like a child, made her face warm slightly.

“Don’t worry, I may not have seen such things before, but that doesn’t mean I hadn’t imagined them.” Then she narrowed her eyes, “Do you know why I enjoy reading those court case storybooks?”

Yan Chi looked at her, “Why?”

Qin Wan curved her lips, “Because these stories, though wrapped in bizarre or horrifying exteriors, ultimately speak about human nature and the human heart. The people in the stories all have their tales, and reading them always sparks much imagination. Though I’ve seen little of palace life, I understand that the more prosperous and wealthy a place is, the more it harbors filth and danger. Some people are greedy, some are fearful, some struggle to climb up, and some are trampled down. Some fight for power, some for true feelings, each person has a different fate.” She looked at Yan Chi, “Including you and me.”

Yan Chi gazed at her, “The way you speak makes me truly believe you’ve been reading Buddhist scriptures.”

Qin Wan laughed, “Haven’t I?”

“You said earlier you were influenced by that grandmother in Jinzhou, learning from hearing her recite Buddhist texts. But I know that grandmother didn’t treat you well before. Even her two biological granddaughters had no interest in Buddhism, let alone you.”

Qin Wan’s smile deepened, “No wonder the Emperor made you Deputy Minister of Justice.”

They continued talking as they walked toward Shoukang Palace, which soon came into view.

They entered the palace and went straight to the inner hall, where they found the Empress Dowager had taken her medicine and fallen asleep again. Yan Li was still accompanying the Empress Dowager, and the Ninth Prince sat obediently beside Yan Li, completely different from the frightened, crying child from before.

“It’s getting late. I’ve given all instructions regarding the Empress Dowager’s medicine and diet. I should return home now. I’ll come back tomorrow at this time to check the Empress Dowager’s pulse.”

Qin Wan had no intention of staying longer in the palace. Having completed her duties, she bid farewell.

Seeing this, Yan Li stood up and said, “If Ninth Miss is leaving, Seventh Brother and I should leave too. We can escort Ninth Miss part of the way.” Then looking at Yan Chi, “What did the Emperor instruct Seventh Brother?”

Yan Chi handed the memorial to Yan Li, who opened it and his eyes immediately brightened, “He’s letting you stay in the Ministry of Justice, so you won’t have to return to Northwest! This is excellent, Seventh Brother, come, let me show you several entertainment districts in the capital today. Since you’re staying in the capital, you’ll be frequenting them often!”

Hearing these words, Qin Wan’s clear eyes looked at Yan Chi, who frowned, “You’re never serious. Tomorrow when I meet the Emperor, I’ll ask him to assign you some tasks too.”

Yan Chi looked serious, making Yan Li laugh nervously, “Let’s forget about that. The Prince Gong’s manor has no worries about food or drink, why would I need any official duties?” Then he bid farewell to Nanny Chen.

Seeing that Empress Dowager had retired, Nanny Chen didn’t detain them further, and feeling assured about Qin Wan being with Yan Chi’s group, she let them go.

Thus, Qin Wan left Shoukang Palace with Yan Chi and Yan Li.

……

……

“Your Highness Crown Prince, news has arrived. The Emperor has appointed Master Chi to the Ministry of Justice as Left Deputy Minister.”

He Yin, the Crown Prince’s chief strategist, strode in quickly, his tone somewhat grave. Yan Che lifted his gaze from his desk, and after a moment, narrowed his phoenix eyes, “So, Father Emperor doesn’t intend to let him return to the Northwest.”

He Yin nodded, “That’s correct. The Minister of Justice has long expressed wishes to retire, and this official guesses the Emperor wants Master Chi to remain in the Ministry of Justice. As for the Northwest, there shouldn’t be major changes in the next year or two, so there’s no need for Master Chi to return.”

Yan Che nodded as he listened, then said, “But the Northwestern Army has been in Uncle Prince Rui’s hands for so long. What do you think Father’s intention is – does he merely want Yan Chi to stay in the capital, or does he have designs on the Northwestern Army?”

He Yin pondered briefly, “This official dares not presume to guess the Emperor’s intentions. The Northwestern Army will need new leadership eventually, but that’s not Your Highness’s primary concern now. Prince Cheng is more anxious than we are, and currently, the person we need to win over is Master Chi.”

Yan Che raised his chin slightly, “Yan Chi has stayed out of court politics for many years. Previously, Secretary Qin tried to approach him, but Yan Chi neither refused nor showed support, maintaining an ambiguous attitude.”

He Yin quickly shook his head, “At that time, Master Chi didn’t know if he could return to the Northwest. Now that’s been decided, things are naturally different. Why doesn’t Your Highness begin efforts to win him over now?”

He Yin continued, “Moreover, this official knows that Master Chi has some connection to the Loyal and Brave Marquis’s household, especially that Ninth Miss. Because of Princess Consort Chang, Master Chi escorted that Ninth Miss when she entered the capital.”

“The Qin family’s Ninth Miss?” Mentioning Qin Wan, Yan Che’s eyes narrowed again.

He Yin nodded, “Your Highness, after the first month, your consort selection will be on the agenda. At that time, daughters from several Duke and Marquis families, as well as some General’s families, might be candidates. We already have the Support State General and General Zhao, so the Loyal and Brave Marquis household remains a good choice for you. Since we’re destined to become closer to the Qin family, why not make use of the relationship between this Ninth Miss and Master Chi?”

Yan Che frowned, “This Ninth Miss Qin is no ordinary person. She could become Aunt’s adopted daughter and win Father’s favor with her medical skills. She’s only been back in the capital for ten days, yet she’s already famous throughout the city… Though she seemed to have no choice but to save Grandmother last night, she ultimately benefited from it. Thinking about this gives me considerable concerns.”

He Yin raised an eyebrow, “But this official saw Ninth Miss from afar last night. She appeared gentle and composed, unlike someone with grand schemes and calculations.”

Hearing this, Yan Che gave a cold laugh, “Do you think someone with a gentle appearance must be well-behaved and pure? Don’t we have the perfect example right here in the palace?”

He Yin hurriedly said, “Well… even if Ninth Miss has grand ambitions, shouldn’t she aim for Your Highness, the Crown Prince?”

Yan Che shook his head, “She’s not born of the Marquis’s bloodline, and she must surely know the Marquis’s plans for Chao Yu. If she doesn’t know her place and tries to compete with Chao Yu, how could she succeed? It would only create friction between me and the Marquis’s household.”

He Yin pressed his lips together, “In that case, let’s not consider this official’s suggestion for now.”

Yan Che sighed, then asked, “Have you found who’s behind the spy recruitment?”

He Yin shook his head, “Not yet. For someone to dare such actions, they must have used unfamiliar faces. I’m afraid it won’t be easy to find them.”

Yan Che’s eyes darkened, and he fell silent. Seeing this, He Yin didn’t dare say more and suggested, “It’s past noon, and Your Highness hasn’t eaten. Shall this official have someone prepare some food for you before you continue reading the memorials?”

Yan Chi nodded casually, and He Yin bowed before withdrawing.

Yan Che’s eyes remained hidden in the dim light as he pondered for a moment before picking up his brush to review the memorials. Soon, light footsteps accompanied by a subtle fragrance approached him, followed by a sweet voice.

“Your Highness Crown Prince, it’s time for your meal.”

Yan Che nodded and moved to a window-side table. As he sat down, he saw a beautiful maid in green robes approach with a food box. She efficiently laid out the dishes and wine, then poured a cup and presented it to Yan Che, who frowned, “Why is there wine in broad daylight?”

The maid hurriedly replied, “Please don’t be angry, Your Highness. It’s to warm your body. If you don’t like it, this servant can remove it.”

Yan Che glanced at the maid, who kept her head lowered, revealing her slender neck. Her collar hung loose, and with her head down, it exposed some of her fair skin. Yan Che frowned, “Fine, leave the cup and withdraw.”

After he spoke, instead of retreating, the green-robed maid moved closer. Her fragrance grew stronger as she held the wine cup near Yan Che, “This servant will attend to Your Highness’s meal. Your Highness, please—”

Yan Che was already displeased. Just as he was about to take the cup, the maid’s hand slipped, spilling wine on his clothes. Before he could react, she let out a soft cry and reached toward his chest. Yan Che’s brows shot up, and he stood, pushing her to the ground, “How dare you! Who selected you for service here?!”

He called out, “Someone come—”

“Your Highness, please spare me! This servant only wanted to attend to your meal.”

As the green-robed maid scrambled up, pleading for mercy, He Yin and Tang Fu, the Eastern Palace’s head steward, entered. Seeing the servant and the fallen cup on the ground, they immediately understood. Tang Fu gestured at the door, and two young eunuchs quickly came to drag the maid away.

“Your Highness, please forgive us!”

Yan Che was furious, his eyes dark, “In broad daylight, someone dares send such a person to me. How are you managing things?”

Tang Fu quickly knelt, “These past days, the Empress sent over several palace maids, this servant…”

Yan Che waved his hand, “Even if they’re sent by the Empress, they should know my rules. Besides, with such boldness, we don’t even know if she was sent by the Empress. Go investigate for me!”

Tang Fu nodded repeatedly, “Yes, this servant will investigate her background immediately.”

Yan Che gave Tang Fu another cold look, glanced at the wine stains on his clothes, and felt utterly annoyed. He patted his clothes and barked, “Get out, all of you, get out—”

As Tang Fu hurried out to deal with the palace maid, He Yin smiled apologetically, “Your Highness, please calm down. Shall this official have someone bring a fresh meal?”

Yan Che snorted coldly, “I’ve lost my appetite. How could I still be in the mood to eat?!”

Looking at the sky, seeing it was still early, Yan Che glanced at the mess on the table. Feeling irritated and unwilling to stay, he was about to leave when he suddenly seemed to think of something and said, “Go out and announce that I’m leaving the palace.”

He Yin was slightly surprised, “Where does Your Highness wish to go?”

Yan Che raised his chin, “The Loyal and Brave Marquis’s mansion.”