"Madam Six is here, Your highness" Bie Liu said.
"Really, let her in I will be there shortly"said Lu Xiaolian as she set down her paint brush.
As Lady Six was led in by a maid she couldn't help but notice the serenity and beauty of the room. She had always believed that you can tell a lot about a person by observing be their surrounding. By observation she could already tell that the Imperial Consort was a calm and calculating. She clearly didn't get involved in the struggles of the Haram. These past few days even though her West courtyard had been plagued with visitor. Imperial Consort Lu never paid her a visit but she did send over some gifts welcoming her into the family. The Imperial Consort's rooms unlike that the others was elegant and simple. A few minutes later a beautiful lady in a light blue gown with her hair raised up in a pure gold hair dressed adorned with red rubies was led in by a maid.
"Lady Six greets Imperial Consort Lu" Lady Six said as Lu Xiaolian sat on the master's seat.
"Do rise" Lu Xiaolian replied
"Thanks, your highness" Lady Six said.
"I have been meaning to pay you a visit but I haven't had much time. I hope that you are settling in well" Lu Xiaolian said.
She hasn't been able to visit her partially because she had been busy but mainly because of the crowd that visited the west courtyard daily. Lu Xiaolian didn't wish to get involved in whatever Madam Jang and the crown princess consort was brewing.
"I understand that Consort Lu is busy. O actually wanted to personally thank you for your gifts" Lady Six replied.
If she was going to carry out what she was tasked with, she was going to have to get closer to the Crown Prince. Which meant that like Lu Xiaolian she needs to appear neutral.
"there is no need to concern yourself with that, I just wanted you to feel welcome and comfortable" Lu Xiaolian Replied.
She could already guess what Lady Six wished to achieve. His highness was right in his suspicion.
"many thanks your highness, I won't keep you here any longer. I will see myself off" she smiled and walked out of the room.
From this conversation she could already tell that out of everyone in the haram,Imperial Consort Lu was going to be a formitable opponent.
"Find out everything you can about Lady Six nothing is too small" Lu Xiaolian said to her shadow guard Lu Yan.
"Yes, your highness" He replied.
* * *
"Two new dead body was found in the red light district both females" Lei Yongliang said in low tones as he walked out of the court hall with Zhongshan Huang.
"That's the sixth kill this past month,his getting bolder" Zhongshan Huang said frowning.
"I don't think we can keep this hidden any longer. The bodies were dumped in front of the investigation bureau. People are starting to panic" Lei Yongliang said and stayed silent until they were farther away from the Minister's. Their investigation was kept secret as it was suspected that it may be a member of the noble class as the victims were all from high class brothels. "it's a surprise no one brought it up in court" he continued.
"It's no surprise that no one brought It up after all the victims were all prostitutes, hence expendable. We will have to find out the Wealthy patrons of the brothels that all the victims worked for. Have guards stationed in the brothels he can't escape being found" Zhongshan Huang said squeezing his palm hard.
"I will get right on it. Huang how is lady Six" Lei Yongliang said.
"Deceptive as expected but I have people watching her every move. If she's up to something it's only a matter of time before I find that out" Zhongshan Huang replied
"She's slimy that one, you will have to be careful with her"Lei Yongliang coursioned.
"Mmn, I will have to take my leave first. I will be paying mother Empress a visit" Zhongshan Huang replied, after giving euch other a slight bow they both left in different directions.
The Empress palace
"The Crown Prince had arrived" a Eunuch announced as Zhongshan Huang stood at the door. A few minutes later the door was pushed open and Zhongshan Huang walked into the room.
"Huang'er greets Mother Empress" Zhongshan Huang said kneeling on one knee, his hands stretched out and his hands olacedat both sides of each other.
"Stand" Empress He said smiling wide. She hadn't seen her eldest son for sometime. She really missed him so much so that she had considered calling him into the palace.she later decided not to do that when she found out that he was investigating a case. She has finally understood what mother's felt when their children began to leave their nest even The Eighth prince had left home, she was all alone safe for Biyu but it was only a matter of time before she was married.
"How have you mother Empress, Huang'er apologies for not visiting" Zhongshan Huang said.
"You don't have to worry yourself, I doing well" Empress He replied.
"i can now be at ease and Biyu, I didn't see her today" Zhongshan Huang said
"Biyu is visiting the temple with the Empress dowager. She is also burning incense for her mother. They will be back by tomorrow" said Empress He as the servants served the snacks and tea.
"I forgot that today was the anniversary of the death of Imperial Noble Mo" Zhongshan Huang said.
"You don't have to worry yourself, Biyu knows how busy you are. I trust that your investigation is going well" Empress He replied after which she raised up her tea cup and took a sip of tea.
"I haven't been able to to find out much but one thing is certain and that is the notices of Jiangxi casino is unknown and hence must be watched closely. I did discover that Jiangxi casino isn't connected to the murders at the red light district" Zhongshan Huang said.
"Then our suspicion were right, we will have to act as quickly as possible" Empress replied squeezing her hands tight.
"That why I think that it would be best if we approached with caution" Zhongshan Huang said.
"I will discuss possible outcome with your aunt" Empress He said.
....... The next day
The Crown Prince Manor
"Elder brother Huang, you have to save me" Zhongshan Shuang cried as he ran towards the Crown Prince's Sturdy.