The woman called Jing Xuan immediately puffed up her cheeks, snorted, and yanked her whip back. Looking very petulant, she stamped her feet.

“Imperial… Brother, why do you always take other people’s side?”

Brother? It seemed this woman named Jing Xuan was a princess!

Jingrong paid no attention to Jing Xuan, looking instead at Ji Yinshu and reaching out to grab her wrist.

“Come back with me.”

With that, he pulled Ji Yinshu out of the restaurant.

Jing Xuan shouted a few times behind them, looking furious. She turned to look at the completely bewildered Li Shiyan, not forgetting to display her princess authority.

She called out to him, “Boy, you listen well. Today I’m letting you off, but if you dare act shameless again next time, I’ll twist your arm off. Hear me?”

“…”

Then she quickly followed them out.

She grabbed Jingrong and pulled him aside, asking in a low voice, “Imperial Brother, who is this person? Why is he wearing a mask?”

“Why do you care so much?”

“I… I’m just asking casually. Half a year without seeing you, why are you still so fierce?”

Jingrong had always found this younger sister troublesome. His brow furrowed as he lowered his voice. “You hurry back to the palace. If you dare sneak out again next time, I’ll tell your mother consort.”

“Imperial Brother, I came out of the palace to see you.”

“I still have matters to attend to. I don’t have time to deal with you. I’ll have someone escort you back to the palace.”

“I…”

Before Jing Xuan could continue making trouble, Jingrong had already pulled Ji Yinshu away.

Jing Xuan stared angrily, yet her heart was very curious. Who was that person? Why did her imperial brother seem to care so much?

Earlier he had said, go back?

Go back where?

Inside the restaurant, Li Shiyan was still bewildered. That person just now—wasn’t he the man who had been by Shu’er’s side?

And that person wearing the mask…

“Could she be Shu’er?”

Extremely surprised!

…

After returning to Prince Rong’s manor, Jingrong didn’t ask anything, and Ji Yinshu didn’t mention that she had gone to see Madam Jiang.

Both tacitly agreed not to discuss it.

Probably because Jingrong already knew!

“Tomorrow is Consort Xiao’s birthday. Prepare yourself well.” Jingrong said.

Ji Yinshu obediently nodded.

Then Jingrong’s expression darkened again. “Next time you leave the manor, you must tell me where you’re going. Otherwise, I’ll have to mobilize all the troops in the capital to find you alone.”

Was he sulking with her?

Yet in his tone, there was clearly concern.

In the end, Ji Yinshu blinked her eyes and still obediently nodded.

The next day.

Ji Yinshu followed Jingrong into the palace.

Consort Xiao’s birthday banquet was held in Tongzhi Palace.

She had just taken her seat when Jingrong began introducing everyone in her ear.

She listened while following the direction of Jingrong’s gaze.

Those present included Emperor Qi Zhen. Of the consorts who came to congratulate, there wasn’t a single one—only Consort Xiao sat beside Emperor Qi Zhen, dignified and noble, stealing all the attention.

Extending down on both sides, on the left and right were Prince Yi Jing Yi and Crown Prince Jing Hua respectively. Further down were several ministers and Jingrong.

“Doesn’t the Emperor have seven sons?” Ji Yinshu didn’t understand.

“Three died.”

“The Crown Prince, Prince Yi, and you, Prince Rong—what about the other one?”

“Jing Xian. He’s had poor health since childhood, rarely comes out. In others’ eyes, he’s virtually invisible.”

Questions and answers!

Ji Yinshu nodded to show she understood and asked no more.

Probably because she was wearing a mask, as soon as she took her seat, she attracted quite a few glances.

Especially Prince Yi—those eyes secretly sized her up, the corners of his mouth wearing a mysterious smile.

At this moment in Tongzhi Palace.

It could be called a scene of songs and dances celebrating peace!

Consort Xiao’s birthday banquet was quite lively.

Consort Xiao was seen whispering something in Emperor Qi Zhen’s ear, her gaze frequently glancing toward Ji Yinshu.

After the songs and dances stopped, everyone raised their wine cups and said, “Long live His Majesty, may Consort Xiao enjoy blessings, longevity, and good health.”

Of course, Consort Xiao also said a few polite words.

Emperor Qi Zhen’s mouth wore a smile as he glanced at Ji Yinshu and asked Jingrong, “Is this the extraordinary person you mentioned?”

Jingrong rose and bowed. “Yes, this person’s surname is Ji.”

“Master Ji?” Emperor Qi Zhen smiled, looking at Ji Yinshu and asking, “You’re capable of investigating the Linjing Case?”

Ji Yinshu stood and bowed. “This commoner is merely a humble painter whom Prince Rong values. I’m not an extraordinary person.”

“Quite articulate.”

At this moment, Consort Xiao’s eyes suddenly shifted. Without showing her intentions, she glanced at Ji Yinshu and spoke lightly.

“Recently, this palace has heard that quite a few young ladies from prominent families have disappeared in the capital. The Capital Magistrate together with the Court of Judicial Review have investigated for a long time without discovering anything. Since Prince Rong strongly recommends Master Ji to investigate the Linjing Case, presumably you have exceptional abilities. Why not have Master Ji investigate this case as well?”

Having spoken, she cloyed to the side, linking her arm with Emperor Qi Zhen’s, her voice soft and delicate. “Your Majesty, this consort’s suggestion is also to test this Master Ji. After all, Duke Yuguo’s case involves the imperial family. We can’t simply hand the case to this Master Ji based on Prince Rong’s recommendation alone, can we? What does Your Majesty think?”

It must be said, that Consort Xiao could survive in the harem until now relied not only on methods but also on intelligence.

Hearing this, Emperor Qi Zhen thought carefully and nodded.

He said, “Consort Xiao is right.” Turning to Jingrong: “Jingrong, I think this suggestion is good. Have Master Ji investigate this disappearance case. If she can solve it, I’ll trust her abilities and let her investigate the Linjing Case.”

Jingrong’s expression showed some difficulty. He glanced at Ji Yinshu. He knew she had come to the capital with him only to investigate the Linjing Case. Now having her investigate the disappearance case was outside the plan.

With this woman’s proud temperament, she probably wouldn’t agree, would she?

Unexpectedly, Ji Yinshu walked around the table before her to the center of the great hall, lifted her robe, and knelt down.

Her hands clasped at her chest, she bowed, her gaze like a target, firm and cold.

“Since His Majesty and Consort Xiao have asked this commoner to investigate the disappearance case, this commoner will take on this case. However, this commoner wishes to attach one condition.”

A condition?

Everyone was dumbfounded!

Since ancient times, no one had ever dared negotiate terms with the Emperor.

This seemed like someone who didn’t want to live!

The smile at the corners of Jing Yi’s mouth grew even deeper. He turned the wine cup in his hand, wanting to observe more carefully.

The Crown Prince opposite, however, was thoughtless, as if watching a play, the corners of his mouth wearing a very disdainful smile.

Thinking to himself, this person was probably going to anger Father Emperor and would have to be beheaded. Best if they beheaded Jingrong too.

Useless fool!

At this moment, Jingrong was carefully observing his father emperor’s expression.

Emperor Qi Zhen’s somewhat weathered face first darkened, then relaxed into a smile, carrying some curiosity as he asked Ji Yinshu, “You want to negotiate terms with me? Interesting. Tell me, what condition?”

Ji Yinshu raised her head, saying coolly:

“If this commoner can solve this disappearance case in the capital, may Your Majesty issue an edict granting permission to open the coffins and examine the bodies in Duke Yuguo’s manor case.”