Shen Xihe’s eyes sharpened as a thought flashed through her mind. She suddenly stood up: “Mo Yuan!”

The unexpected shout startled everyone. Mo Yuan rushed in, scanning the surroundings before even reaching Shen Xihe: “County Princess, what’s wrong?”

“Send people… go personally to the Shen residence and check if Second Young Lady is there!” Shen Xihe commanded solemnly.

Xiao Huayong also realized – Second Brother had coveted the Shen family’s Second Young Lady for some time. If the Fourth Brother kidnapped Shen Xihe, he could both gain the Second Brother’s support and control Shen Xihe.

He had been careless. Since Shen Xihe wasn’t close to Shen Xihe, he had almost forgotten her existence.

Mo Yuan had just reached the County Princess residence’s main gate with his men when someone came stumbling toward them – it was Shen Xihe’s wet nurse, Madam Tan. Upon seeing Mo Yuan, she grabbed his arm and fell to her knees: “General Mo, Second Young Lady has been kidnapped…”

Shen Xihe was in the Shen residence, which had security as strict as a prince’s mansion, being under imperial protection. Only someone as audacious as Xiao Changtai would dare target the Shen residence.

Since Princess Changling’s death, Shen Xihe has lived in seclusion. In mourning for her mother, she rarely left home except for necessary banquets or occasional outings. She never imagined someone would break into her chambers and kidnap her from the prince’s residence.

A quarter-hour earlier, Xiao Changtai had arrived at the Zhao Prince’s mansion disguised as a firewood deliveryman in coarse clothing. Through the steward, he evaded other eyes in the Zhao Prince’s mansion and met with Zhao Prince Xiao Changmin.

“Fourth Brother, you’re quite bold to secretly escape from the Imperial Tomb to the capital. If His Majesty learns of this, even as a prince your life would be forfeit.”

Xiao Changtai removed his bamboo hat: “Second Brother if I lose my life today, I’m merely heading to Yellow Springs early to wait for you.”

“What do you mean by that?” Xiao Changmin’s expression darkened.

“I was forced to enter the capital today because my wife has fallen into our dear Seventh Brother’s hands,” Xiao Changtai exposed Xiao Huayong to Xiao Changmin. “Second Brother, are you still foolishly hoping for our Crown Prince to pass away like I was?”

With a mocking laugh, Xiao Changtai continued: “Stop hoping. If you don’t see his true face soon, you might not even know how you died. Second Brother, think about how much has changed in the capital since he returned from the Taoist temple this past year.

How many forces in court have been replaced? In one year, all six ministry heads have changed. In the Three Departments, except for Minister Cui Zheng, everyone has been replaced. These are crucial state positions – countless other positions have likely changed.

While we fight openly and secretly, he watches like we’re performing monkeys. Perhaps you and I are just monkeys he’s playing with.”

Xiao Changmin showed little surprise. He had considered all this, especially after Munuha mentioned seeing Xiao Huayong’s impressive martial arts before His Majesty. He hadn’t let his guard down against Xiao Huayong since, but as Crown Prince, who would dare move against him?

How was harming the Crown Prince different from rebellion? Who would want to be a stepping stone for others? Who would sacrifice themselves bringing down the Crown Prince only to benefit others?

“The Crown Prince is inscrutable, but aren’t you also hiding your true nature?” Xiao Changmin sneered. “Fourth Brother, I’m no fool. Telling me this is useless. I’m happy to watch you and the Crown Prince compete – profiting from it would be good, but if it fails, I won’t get involved.”

“Second Brother has always been overcautious.” Mockery flashed in Xiao Changtai’s eyes. “However, I learned one move from the Crown Prince…”

Speaking thus, Xiao Changtai took out a peony hairpin and placed it before Xiao Changmin: “Is Fourth Brother familiar with this?”

Any prince or princess who had studied with Shen Xihe would recognize this hairpin – it was her favorite, one she often wore.

“You dare!” Xiao Changmin slammed his palm on the table and stood up furiously. As his palm struck, guards rushed in from outside. “Seize him!”

“Second Brother, arresting me is useless,” Xiao Changtai showed no fear. “From the moment I entered the capital, I never planned to leave. What’s wrong with taking a few more people with me to the grave? It’s just a pity about County Lady Huaiyang – such a young flower, destined for a short life…”

Xiao Changmin drew his sword and held it to Xiao Changtai’s throat: “Where is she?”

“Help me leave the capital alive, and I’ll let County Lady Huaiyang return to the prince’s mansion alive,” Xiao Changtai smiled confidently.

Xiao Changmin’s gaze turned cold, his hand tightening on the sword hilt inch by inch.

“Heh heh heh…” Xiao Changtai laughed softly. Instead of backing away, he stepped forward, letting the blade draw a thin line of blood on his neck, showing no fear.

Rather, seeing him like this, Xiao Changmin kept retreating until his back hit the wall. Without his command, the surrounding guards dared not move.

Xiao Changtai grabbed Xiao Changmin’s shoulder with one hand and pressed the hand holding the sword with the other, his face showing vicious intent: “Second Brother, even though I escaped from the Imperial Tomb, it’s not your place to kill me. Do you dare harm me? Kill me, and your beloved dies with me, and your good days end.”

Just as not everyone has the right to execute a criminal, Xiao Changtai’s escape from the Imperial Tomb was unforgivable, but if Xiao Changmin killed him, that too would be an unforgivable crime.

Pushing Xiao Changmin away, Xiao Changtai ignored the blood dripping from his neck: “The Crown Prince’s people will find me soon. Whether to help your brother or not, Second Brother, the choice is yours.”

He stayed at the Zhao Prince’s mansion for only a quarter-hour – any longer and he truly wouldn’t be able to leave. Otherwise, the Crown Prince would only need to have people trap him in the Zhao Prince’s mansion and openly bring him before His Majesty to convict him.

As Xiao Changtai was leaving the Zhao Prince’s mansion, Madam Tan was running to the County Princess’s residence to report Shen Xihe’s kidnapping.

Xiao Huayong personally visited the Zhao Prince’s mansion. Xiao Changmin’s expression was normal as he respectfully welcomed the Crown Prince.

“Second Brother, do you have anything to tell me?” Xiao Huayong asked.

Xiao Changmin appeared confused: “What does Your Highness mean? You come here only to ask if I have something to tell you?”

Xiao Huayong looked at him calmly: “Since Second Brother has nothing to say, let me tell you something.”

“Please speak, Your Highness,” Xiao Changmin said respectfully.

“The person working with the Li family behind the tomb robbery case was Fourth Brother,” Xiao Huayong softly revealed.

Xiao Changmin bowed slightly, his lowered eyelids hiding the darkness in his eyes: “Thank you for informing me, Your Highness. I will verify this.”