Chapter 722: Chapter 723: Prying

Chang Sui’s expression was hesitant. "Well... I heard that even Second Miss Ye couldn’t tell it was a poisonous insect at first glance. As for anything else, I haven’t heard a thing."

Ye Chutang was only summoned to diagnose and save a life. Other than that, today’s events had nothing to do with her. If it weren’t for her exceptional medical skills, she never would have been dragged into this.

And yet...

"I remember she had some knowledge of the Nanhu’s poisonous insects before. This time, with the poisonous insect afflicting Fan Chengzhuo, even she couldn’t recognize it?"

Chang Sui thought for a moment and said, "Although Second Miss Ye is knowledgeable and has seen much, she isn’t an expert in this art, after all. So it’s probably normal."

Xiao Chenglin knew what Ye Chutang was capable of. If even she was deceived, it could only mean that the Poisonous Gu Technique wasn’t cast by an ordinary person.

’In that case...’

Seeing Xiao Chenglin’s brows furrowed tightly, Chang Sui asked in a low voice, "Your Highness, what if... I go and ask around?"

Where to ask, and who to ask—it went without saying. They both knew.

After a moment of contemplation, Xiao Chenglin finally gave a slow nod.

"Do it covertly. You must not be discovered."

"I understand." Chang Sui hesitated for a moment. "And the Imperial Palace...?"

"We wait and see how things develop."

At first, Xiao Chenglin had also wanted to enter the Imperial Palace immediately to investigate the situation, but after calming down, he dismissed the idea.

The more chaotic the situation, the more important it was not to lose his own composure.

If he were to rush into the Imperial Palace at a time like this, wouldn’t he immediately draw everyone’s attention?

That would truly put him on the back foot.

So, no matter how worried and uneasy he felt, he had to remain calm!

"No movement from Prince Lie’s Mansion?"

It was impossible that Xiao Chengqi hadn’t heard the news yet. What mattered was his reaction...

Chang Sui nodded. "I heard that Prince Lie went to the West City Military Camp today to discuss how to handle the Nanhu captives with King Yan Nan. How brazen."

Xiao Chenglin’s lips twitched.

"Anyone else would naturally have to avoid suspicion. But Prince Lie has fought on the battlefield for years and earned brilliant military honors. Even if he goes to a military camp to drink and chat with King Yan Nan, no one will say a word."

That was the source of Xiao Chengqi’s confidence!

Feeling indignant, Chang Sui spoke resentfully, "If it weren’t for Master’s legs—how could it be his turn to steal the spotlight!"

Everyone said that since the Fourth Prince’s legs were crippled, he was finished.

After Xiao Chengxuan’s fall from power, His Majesty was left with only these two Princes. Xiao Chenglin’s life had gotten a little easier, but that was all.

In contrast, Xiao Chengqi had naturally taken over the duties previously handled by Xiao Chengxuan, already positioning himself for that role!

Every time he thought about this, he felt a surge of resentment.

"When it comes down to it—how is he worthy of being compared to Your Highness!"

Xiao Chenglin shot him a warning glance. "Haven’t I told you before? Say less of such things in the future. This is the Capital City. Even in our own home, you must be wary of walls having ears."

Guilt showed in Chang Sui’s eyes, and he quickly bowed his head in agreement.

"Your Highness is right to scold me."

"That’s enough. You may go." Xiao Chenglin seemed a little tired.

Chang Sui didn’t dare disturb him further. He turned and left, his figure quickly vanishing from sight.

After a long while, Xiao Chenglin slowly lowered his head to look at his own legs.

His face was expressionless as he reached out and placed a hand on his leg.

Perhaps because of the recent spring warmth, the wounds on his legs had begun to itch frequently again, often keeping him awake at night, tossing and turning.

’I don’t know when this will ever end...’

For some reason, he lifted his head and looked toward a cabinet to the side.

On it sat the medicinal wine sent by Ye Chutang, still unopened.

Xiao Chenglin stared at the medicinal wine for a long time before slowly letting out a breath.

...

「Dingbei Marquis Mansion.」

Lian Zhou appeared silently in the study.

"Master, their people have started to move."

Shen Yanchuan glanced up, a single eyebrow raised.

"It seems the commotion in the Imperial Palace has already spread?"

Lian Zhou chuckled. "Didn’t you say before, Master, that if they want to know, we should let them know? Besides, there’s no such thing as a wall that doesn’t leak. By tomorrow—no! By tonight! Mr. Fan’s profound paternal love, and all the ’good deeds’ he and Xie Anjun cooked up together, will be known throughout the entire Capital City!"

Speaking of which, even though he’d known about it for a while, he couldn’t help but click his tongue.

"Who would have thought that in his old age, Mr. Fan would gain another ’fine big son’! What a joyous occasion!"

It’s not about having an heir to carry on the family name, but at least he’ll have company at his grave.

He won’t be lonely on the road to the underworld, so his life wasn’t lived in vain!

Shen Yanchuan seemed to have anticipated all of this, as no surprise showed on his handsome face.

He just lifted his head slightly, glanced toward the Imperial Palace through the window, and said pointedly,

"At a time like this, even the most level-headed person would probably be unable to sit still."

’You can feign indifference for a while, but can you feign it for a lifetime?’

’When the fire is singeing your eyebrows, you can’t afford to worry about anything else.’

"Just keep watching them," he said.

"Yes, sir!"

Lian Zhou acknowledged the order and vanished from the doorway in the next second, as if he had never been there at all.

Shen Yanchuan mulled it over for a moment.

"Someone."

Yun Cheng heard the call and walked in. "Master, do you have any orders?"

Shen Yanchuan bent a finger and tapped it lightly on the table.

"How have things been in the Marquis Mansion lately?"

Yun Cheng understood immediately and said, "Rest assured, Master. Everything is as usual."

Their people were watching those outside, and naturally, those outside were watching them.

It all depended on who was more perceptive, or... a better actor.

"And Su Mu’s group?" Shen Yanchuan asked, seemingly at random.

Yun Cheng immediately replied, "Thank you for your concern, Master. There’s nothing to report on their end either."

The question seemed to be about Su Mu, but it was really about Uncle Di.

Su Mu had been in charge of taking care of him during this time.

’But... why did Master suddenly think to ask about this?’

"Does Master have another task for them?"

Shen Yanchuan shook his head.

"No need. Everything remains as it is."

"Yes."

In a place like the Capital City, hiding someone was both difficult and easy.

Shen Yanchuan had always been extremely cautious regarding Uncle Di, but he had never been able to uncover his origins.

Especially since Uncle Di had been imprisoned for so long. After so many years, many of the traces had faded.

Unless he spoke of his own accord, then...

Shen Yanchuan had previously sent a letter to the Northern Border to ask Shen Youyan if he knew such a person.

But Shen Youyan had not yet replied.

Therefore, everything was still just Shen Yanchuan’s own speculation.

He glanced at the sky. It was already past noon.

’Today... some matters should finally be settled.’

...

Ye Chutang, inside the Imperial Palace, was naturally oblivious to everything happening outside.

She just stood there, listening as Xiao Jiayi repeated everything she had told her before.

Of course, it was interspersed with Xie Anjun’s refutations and arguments.

From initial anger and resentment, to later shock and speechlessness, and finally to guilt and fear...

Xie Anjun’s last shred of bravado completely vanished. Cold sweat dripped down his face, his eyes were filled with panic, and he couldn’t utter another word. Finally, the whites of his eyes rolled back, and he fainted dead away.

THUD—!

’What a pity,’ Ye Chutang thought, bored.

’Xie Pei traded his own life for his son’s. What a terrible deal.’

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