Exactly! Lately, Su Ling had infuriated her to the brink of madness, and she had nearly forgotten about this matter. With Lou Xiyan by Qing's side, whether she returned or not no longer seemed crucial—she was determined to go back. Yet, whenever she recalled the moments spent with Su Ling, Gu Yun couldn't help but lament bitterly, "I seriously doubt I could endure being in the same place with that brutish man!"
"Do you?" Zhuo Qing clicked her tongue with amusement. "I think General Su has a certain charm. You two make quite the match! Just standing side by side, sparks are already flying!"
"Alright, I'll shut up!" Another sharp glance cut through the air. Zhuo Qing shrugged, wisely refraining from provoking a woman deprived of sleep.
After escorting Gu Yun to the general's mansion and watching her step inside, Zhuo Qing instructed Mo Bai to return immediately. Yet she remained deeply unsettled—what could have driven Xiyan to rush back with such urgency?
The carriage halted before the Prime Minister's residence. Zhuo Qing lifted the curtain and saw several large crates piled at the entrance, servants busily carrying them inside. Upon entering, the mansion was a bustling hive of activity—some were moving boxes, others furniture, and a few carried flowering plants, their purpose unclear.
"Both of you, hurry up! No dawdling. Be gentle—don't damage anything!"
"All those flowers, bring them to Cuixin Courtyard. Quick, quick!"
Nearby, Xue Xianxin was shouting orders, orchestrating the commotion in the front yard of the Prime Minister's mansion.
Noticing Zhuo Qing's arrival, Xue Xianxin's face blossomed with a radiant smile as she approached. "Ling'er, you've returned."
Xiyan had resolutely decided to marry this woman; there was no turning back. Zhuo Qing frowned and inquired, "What's going on here?"
Xue Xianxin beamed with delight. "The Prime Minister's residence has a distinguished guest!"
A distinguished guest? If anyone deserved such a title at the Prime Minister's mansion, it must be royalty. Zhuo Qing raised an eyebrow. "Another princess?"
Xue Xianxin paused, startled. It couldn't be another princess. The last incident involving Princess Chaoyun had soured relations between Xiyan and the Empress Dowager. Besides, there weren't so many princesses in Qiong Yue.
She quickly shook her head and explained, "No, no. This time, the guest arriving at the mansion is—"
"What a beautiful young lady!"
Before Xue Xianxin could finish, a clear, youthful male voice sounded beside Zhuo Qing. She turned abruptly to see a face beaming with radiant sunshine.
The boy beside her, perhaps thirteen or fourteen years old, was about her height. Dressed in elegant pale purple robes with a gilded crown, he exuded unmistakable nobility.
What momentarily stunned Zhuo Qing was his angelic, pure, and innocent visage. Describing a boy as 'cute' might seem odd, but it was the most fitting word for him. His dark, gleaming eyes, high-bridged nose, and rosy lips curled into a smile as warm and gentle as a soft breeze, leaving one reluctant to utter even a harsh word.
Xue Xianxin's face softened with affection. "Greetings, Seventh Prince."
The boy stepped forward with unabashed brilliance and politely said, "Madam Lou, please do not feel obliged. I hope my sudden intrusion is not an inconvenience."
"The Seventh Prince speaks modestly! We are honored to have you grace the Prime Minister's mansion."
Such an adorable child—unlike Xiyan's cold and aloof demeanor in childhood, or the unruly Lou Xiwu. If only there were a child like the Seventh Prince: charming, thoughtful, and utterly endearing.
Seventh Prince? Zhuo Qing's brows furrowed deeply. Could he be Yan Hongtian's son? But Yan Hongtian was not even thirty; could he have a son so old?
The boy seemed fond of Zhuo Qing and smiled warmly while flattering her, "Pretty sister, my name is Bai Yi. What is yours?"
Pretty sister? Was the child's vision flawless? Ignoring the two large scars on her face, Zhuo Qing awkwardly replied, "Qing Ling."
If he was Bai Yi, then he was certainly not Yan Hongtian's son. Who was this boy, and why was he here?
"Such an elegant and refined name!" Bai Yi truly knew how to wield his charm. Such a graceful and adorable face paired with a radiant smile few could resist left Zhuo Qing momentarily at a loss, so she only replied softly, "Thank you."
"Where is Xiyan? Has he returned?"
Xue Xianxin, still directing servants, casually answered, "Probably in the study."
The front yard was crowded, uncomfortable for Zhuo Qing, who weaved through the obstacles toward the study.
"Qing Ling…" Bai Yi's dark eyes shimmered with a strange light as he watched the graceful figure leave. His smile remained gentle but lost its angelic warmth.
At the study door, Zhuo Qing knocked softly. No response. As she was about to leave, a clear voice from inside commanded, "Come in."
Pushing open the door, she found Xiyan with his head bowed in deep concentration. Zhuo Qing sat quietly on a wooden chair by the door, lost in thought.
Today's corpse bore wounds distinct from previous victims—Miss Wu's chest wound was slightly higher and about half an inch wider.
Was the killer the same person? If not, why did the murderer know such intimate details about the previous murders?
"Come here." Zhuo Qing was drawn back as Xiyan smiled warmly and habitually slipped an arm around her waist, toying with her hair. "Any progress with the case?"
"Yes. The jade pendant was indeed purchased by Miss Wu. Cheng Hang's team found traces of poisoned wine in a cup from her room. We now suspect someone close is responsible. Dan Yulan has assigned more people to investigate."
Occasional noises filtered in from outside. No wonder he closed the door.
Lowering her voice, Zhuo Qing asked, "You rushed back because of that brat Bai Yi?"
She seemed to have met Bai Yi already. Xiyan sighed helplessly. "Do you know who he really is?"
Zhuo Qing shook her head; of course she didn't. But Xiyan's urgency and weary expression made her guess the boy's identity must be extraordinary.
"Though the realm is divided into six parts, most are minor states loyal to Qiong Yue. Liao Yue, however, lies eastward by the sea—wealthy, powerful, and the only kingdom to rival Qiong Yue. The boy you mentioned is the crown prince of Liao Yue, the most likely heir to the throne."
That explained his status. Zhuo Qing asked curiously, "Isn't he the Seventh Prince? No elder brothers? Or is he the Empress's son?"
In ancient times, primogeniture prevailed—usually the eldest legitimate son became heir. How could the seventh child be next in line?
Xiyan shook his head with a sigh. "He does have elder brothers, but they either died young or suffer grave illnesses. His mother is the Virtuous Consort; his maternal grandfather was the late emperor's bestowed King of Ning'an; his uncle is the Minister of Justice, and his aunt is the wife of Liao Yue's famed general Fei Yunqi. Bai Yi is showered with unparalleled favor. The king is preparing to name him crown prince."
So many powerful patrons backing him. No doubt his mother had employed every means to secure his position.
The boy indeed had formidable roots, but that was not Zhuo Qing's concern. She pressed, "Why is he living in our home? Even if visiting for a celebration, why stay at the Prime Minister's mansion?"
Because of Zhuo Qing's casual remark, Xiyan's frustration eased inexplicably. He preferred this warm term to the cold formality of 'Prime Minister's mansion.'
Casually twirling her soft hair, Xiyan smiled carelessly. "He said he wished to better enjoy the capital's scenery rather than be confined to the inn."
"Actually?" Zhuo Qing rolled her eyes. Such a flimsy excuse! At least come up with something more plausible.
Xiyan shrugged and smiled, "Who knows?"
No one believed he was truly unaware.
Pinching his ever-serene face, Zhuo Qing scoffed, "Prime Minister Lou, you really do invite trouble!"
Most likely, they came for him!
Pulling away her hand, Xiyan chuckled ruefully, "Please forgive me, Madam."
Despite the feigned pitiful look, Zhuo Qing magnanimously forgave him, settling on his lap and leaning into his embrace, savoring the summer breeze's gentle caress as she nearly drifted to sleep.
After a long moment, Xiyan's soft murmur brushed her ear, "There's one more thing I must tell you."
"Hm?"
Zhuo Qing, eyes still closed, was somewhat distracted.
"Last night, Consort Hui attempted to cast a witchcraft spell in the palace to harm the Empress. She has been imprisoned in the Heavenly Prison."
Xiyan's voice carried a grave weight. Zhuo Qing's eyes slowly opened. What did this have to do with her, unless it involved Qing Feng?
Her expression darkened. "And then?"
Xiyan gently stroked her back, soothing her anxiety. "Qing Feng is pregnant. The Emperor has already granted her the title of Consort Qing."
Qing Feng was the first woman in many years to ascend to consort within half a year—a deliberate act by the Emperor, signaling her ambition and capability.
Pregnant?
Zhuo Qing felt something was amiss. "Is she connected to Consort Hui's affair?"
"We don't know yet."
In the imperial harem, no matter the matter, connections always exist, differing only in degree.
Qing Feng and Hui had been in the same faction. How involved was Qing Feng in the witchcraft incident? Was
it merely a plot? The truth remained murky.
The summer night grew thick with silence. Zhuo Qing pressed close and whispered, "I want to see Qing Feng."
Xiyan shook his head. "Not yet. The palace is on high alert. If you go, you'll only stir trouble."
"Then wait for the right moment."
Their shadows intertwined beneath the moonlight, each pondering the unseen storms looming ahead.