After what could only be described as a bumpy ride a bone-weary Wen Qinxi finally reached the capital. He couldn't help but complain to Jolie as he settled in what would soon be the new Lin Family home. 'Fuck! Did the carriage ride have to be this realistic? My entire body was shaken so much that my bones are still trembling,' said Wen Qinxi to the system in his mind while a servant showed him to his room.
'Don't blame me. The CEO wanted a realistic game and the game designer did exactly that. Now stop complaining and hurry up. We need to go look for our dearest boss,' said the impatient system. It wanted this pair reunited as soon as possible so they could resume cultivating their feelings. It was about time it to collected its winnings and get its darling companion.
Wen Qinxi didn't dawdle any longer as he took a quick bath to wash off the sticky sweat from the gruesome journey and changed into one of his favorite dark green robe with gold vines embroidered along its hem. The only reason why he put so much work into his appearance was that he was going to the palace and didn't want to leave a bad impression. With exquisitely coiffured hair, Wen Qinxi resembled a pure yet captivating deity that people couldn't help but fall in love with. Such a rare gem drew everyone's attention as he sauntered to the palace.
Because of the kind of attention he roused, it didn't take long before word reached Zhao Huangzhi's ears. It can only be said that she didn't take it well angrily sweeping with her hands all the contents on top of her dresser with a loud crashing sound as they reached the floor. This chaotic sound naturally attracted the Prime Minister's attention as he rushed over in a panic. He was well aware of his daughter's terrible mood these past thirteen days. For twelve days straight, she had been seeking an audience with estranged Prince Ranzhe but had been coldly rejected each time.
Unable to carry on seeing his daughter like this, he made an appointment with Emperor Qie attempting to use his influence in the court to get Zhao Huangzhi what she wanted. The Emperor naturally agreed for their children to interact with each even hinting at marriage but Qie Ranzhe had just joined the family and needed time to adapt so it wouldn't be good forcing his estranged son's hand at this moment.
Prime Minister Zhao naturally understood but his daughter who had always got what she wanted when she wanted wasn't keen on waiting. She had already been waiting for more than two years coupled with the fact that Qie Ranzhe was actually a prince, this had to happen and happen fast. Though Lin Jingxie wasn't a threat as his family was inferior compared to hers she couldn't help but feel ill at ease with his presence in the capital.
Wen Qinxi, who was completely unaware that someone out there was throwing tantrums like a toddler over him had just arrived in the palace waiting for the servant he has sent to inform Prince Ranzhe of his arrival to return. Though it didn't seem like it, Master Lin was actually well acquainted with Emperor Qie. Their relationship wasn't clearly defined but judging from the token Wen Qinxi had received from Master Lin before he left, it was clear that this relationship wasn't simple. This token gave him access to a large part of the palace and he could come and go as he pleased.
While Wen Qinxi was patiently waiting engrossed in the rich splendours of the imperial palace, Qie Ranzhe was having a closed-door meeting with two guild members. Ever since he learnt of his mother from the Emperor, he had his subordinates investigate the matter. The outcome of that investigation was enough to anger him to death. A retired servant loyal to Empress Da-Xia had witnessed the gruesome ordeal that occurred nearly twenty-two years ago but wouldn't talk. It was only after being severely tortured by Fourth did she simply confessed everything and was currently locked up in the guild dungeon.
It turns out that his mother had indeed made a decision to leave the harem behind as soon as she found out she was pregnant. On account of her weak body, she knew she couldn't guarantee her son's safety in the palace. For eight months, she successfully concealed her pregnancy by wearing baggy clothes and refusing to sleep with the emperor. Close to giving birth, she had a trusted subordinate help her escape the palace leaving a farewell letter for her beloved. But her plans crumbled to dust when the subordinates betrayed her for personal gains and informed Empress Da-Xia of the concubine's pregnancy.
The Empress took advantage of the situation and intercepted Shao Meili's carriage in the woods just outside the capital. In anger, she stripped off the concubine's clothes and came face to face with that bulging belly that looked like it was about to burst. Empress Da-Xia lost her mind and stabbed the woman's stomach in cold blood intending to kill her unborn child. Though Shao Meili had a weak body she was once a general after all. Her maternal instincts took over instantly turning her into a vicious wolf protecting her cub. She slashed both of the Empress' ankles and just like a hacked tree she tumbled face down to the ground. Using this chance, Shao Meili managed to run into the dark inky night without looking back. With her severe injuries, it could only be a miracle that she managed to give birth to Qie Ranzhe and that he somehow appeared in a town which was a week's worth of carriage ride to reach.
Qie Ranzhe didn't believe in such a miracle so he asked him to continue investigating. "Did you bring what l asked for?" asked Qie Ranzhe while tightly clutching the report in his hands. This Empress had to pay for what she had done but because of her influence, he couldn't just bring the retired servant in as his only witness. A mere servant's words could easily be refuted.
He planned to make her suffer and force her to confess her crimes. To achieve such a task he had Eighth attain a kind of drug known as Diyu a concoction of a stonefish pain-inducing venom, hallucination-inducing cane toad venom and a psychoactive drug that can compel the victim to tell the truth. This drug was a triple threat famous for tormenting victims into confessing their crime. All he had to do was gradually dose Empress Da-Xia while making hypnotic suggestions about the deceased Shao Meili. She would eventually snap and confess her misdeeds herself in an attempt to ease the pain.
"Yes l did," replied Eighth while placing a small wooden box on the table, "How do you plan on executing your plan?"
Qie Ranzhe didn't reply for a while pursing his lips as though mulling over his plan. Seeing him like this, Eighth naturally wanted to lend a helping hand but before he got a chance to offer his services, Qie Ranzhe suddenly spoke, "You don't have to worry about that just find out who brought me to that town."
While this meeting was going on, the servant sent by Lin Jingxie finally arrived at Lianhua Pavillion where Prince Ranzhe was currently residing. This Pavillion was originally meant to be for the crown prince but the Emperor had given it to Prince Ranzhe without a hitch. It was obvious what he was implying that the court officials in support of Empress Da-Xia caused a ruckus when they first heard of it. The attempted to sow discord between the recently reunited father and son pair saying such things like what guarantee did the emperor have that Prince Ranzhe was his son but as soon as they lay eyes on Qie Ranzhe they instantly shut their mouths and dared not cause trouble ever again.