In the main hall of the Eastern Palace, intricate carvings and exquisite artwork adorned the beams and pillars, creating a magnificent and awe-inspiring sight. Various rare and precious treasures were displayed, catching the eye of any onlooker.
Jun Shaochen had someone serve tea to everyone in the hall. After they were seated, he asked, "From Su Miss's expression, I gather you don't fully trust Han Wu's autopsy?"
Mu Yunxuan had the same question in mind.
Su Zimeng took a sip of tea and replied, "It's not that I don't trust him, but his autopsy technique is professional yet lacking attention to detail."
"What have you discovered, Mo'er?" Mu Yunxuan asked.
"That depends on how well the Crown Prince knows Princess Yuerong," Su Zimeng said.
"Oh? What do you mean, Su Miss?" Jun Shaochen frowned, wondering what it had to do with his understanding of Princess Yuerong.
"Your Highness, I've heard that Princess Yuerong has poor health and is very frail. Is that true?"
"Yes, Yuerong rarely leaves the palace precisely because of her weak constitution. If it weren't for the Emperor's favor, not many would even know of her existence."
"Does Princess Yuerong cook or engage in other activities herself?" Su Zimeng inquired further.
"I'm not quite sure about that. Yuerong hardly leaves the palace, and it's impossible for her to cook or perform such tasks. She is of noble birth, and the Emperor would never allow her to do such things."
Jun Shaochen pondered for a moment before speaking, "Mo'er, what are you suspecting?"
Mu Yunxuan suddenly guessed a possibility, and a hint of doubt flickered in his profound eyes.
"I don't have concrete evidence yet," Su Zimeng mused, her eyes downcast. It was already getting bright outside, and today was the day Xiner would return. She feared she wouldn't be able to see her brother.
"Please speak openly, Su Miss. We must thoroughly investigate this matter," Jun Shaochen stated firmly. He wondered what kind of person the Empress truly was and if she had any connection to these events.
"Chener," suddenly, the Empress's voice echoed.
Jun Shaochen's eyes flashed with a hint of coldness. "Why have you come?" The Empress entered with the support of palace maids.
"Chener, any progress? Your father has truly gone too far. The person who killed Rong'er is imprisoned in the dungeon. What more is there to investigate?"
The Empress deliberately ignored the presence of Su Zimeng and Mu Yunxuan.
Su Zimeng wore a cold smile. The most terrifying people in the world were not petty or wicked but those who forever believed they were right, disregarding others' advice and stubbornly acting on their delusions.
"The Emperor will make the final decision on this matter. Your concerns are unnecessary," Su Zimeng replied calmly.
Though the Empress felt deeply hurt, she noticed the change in Jun Shaochen's demeanor.
"Chener, what do you mean? What is this attitude towards your mother? Ah?"
The Empress suddenly spoke sternly.
"Has this woman said something to you? Chener, let me tell you, Su Zimeng is a cunning fox. You better stay away from her. Look at what she has done to your aunt. Can't you see her true nature? Even for your aunt's sake, you shouldn't treat this woman so kindly."
The Empress pointed at Su Zimeng, her emotions spiraling out of control, as if she wanted to tear Su Zimeng into pieces.
Mu Yunxuan's eyes flashed with a cold gleam as he gazed at the shameless Empress.
Su Zimeng smiled faintly, appearing calm and composed compared to the Empress's outburst.
"It seems, Empress, that all you can handle and let go of is a pair of chopsticks."
"Su Zimeng, what do you mean by that?"
"Do I need to spell it out? The Crown Prince is not a three-year-old child. He can distinguish right from wrong on his own. Regarding the incident where Ji Rui plotted against me, why does the Empress blame me? The Empress, don't tell me you're ignorant of it all!"
"You..." The Empress was momentarily speechless. She hadn't expected Su Zimeng to be so straightforward. This matter couldn't be exposed, or else the Emperor would be extremely angry.
Upon hearing this, Jun Shaochen also understood. His aunt's audacity in the palace was entirely supported by his good mother.
"Mother, you truly are formidable. If Father learns of this, it would be quite amusing!"
Jun Shaochen sarcastically remarked, his eyes cold as he stared at the Empress. There was no emotion in his icy gaze.
Su Zimeng and Mu Yunxuan exchanged a glance. Jun Shaochen, usually gentle and warm, was acting strangely today, even causing them to feel puzzled.
"Chener, you're becoming more audacious," the Empress couldn't understand. In just one day, her son seemed like a different person.
How could he speak so recklessly? Wasn't he putting her in a dangerous position?
"Then, Your Majesty should take care of yourself and avoid needlessly causing trouble for others," Jun Shaochen replied coldly.
Upon hearing this, the Empress almost concluded that Su Zimeng had misled her son. Chener was always filial and would never treat her like this.
"Is that so? Chener, are you now daring to defy your own mother?" The Empress looked at Jun Shaochen with a pained expression. Now that even Rong'er was gone, her life only had Chener left. If he also betrayed her, what use was her title as Empress? The Emperor had never truly loved her.
Seeing the heartbroken expression on the Empress's face, Jun Shaochen felt a trace of emotion stirring within him. After all, the Empress had always treated him well, considering him as her own. "You should go back and rest. There have been developments in Rong'er's case, and I will have someone inform you."
The Empress closed her eyes, having gone without sleep for a night. She was truly tired.
"Chener, everything the Empress said was for your own good. She doesn't want you to be misled by deceptive people..."
"I know what I'm doing and whether or not I've been misled. You don't need to worry. Go back first," Jun Shaochen remained indifferent.
Watching Jun Shaochen's transformation, the Empress even began to suspect that her Chener had been replaced by someone else.
"Escort the Empress back," Jun Shaochen ordered the palace maids when he saw the Empress's indifferent attitude.
The Empress cast a final glance at Su Zimeng, unwillingly walked out.
"Miss Su, I apologize for causing you unjust suffering," Jun Shaochen looked apologetic towards Su Zimeng.
"Your Highness, I'm used to such things. I don't really mind. Since everyone is so curious about Princess Yuerong's cause of death, why don't we pay a visit to the Clear Moon Palace?"
Su Zimeng wanted to understand the situation sooner and save her brother.
"Wait, Mo'er, I know what Li'er meant by the red dragonfly."
Mu Yunxuan suddenly remembered something and spoke up.
"What is it?" Su Zimeng furrowed her brows. She had seen dragonflies before, but never in red.
"That's not a dragonfly; it's the Imperial Soul Marauder, a demonic beast. When it bites someone, the wound becomes red and swollen, and most importantly, it prevents any changes in their appearance."
"Prevents changes in appearance?" Su Zimeng became more certain of her suspicions.
"In that case, the person lying in the Clear Moon Palace right now is likely not Princess Yuerong."
Su Zimeng boldly stated her thoughts.
"What? Not Yuerong?" Jun Shaochen couldn't believe it. The deceased person was undoubtedly Yuerong.
"That's correct, Your Highness. Didn't you say that Princess Yuerong is a delicate and noble lady who would never engage in cooking or other menial tasks? When Han Wu examined her hands, I noticed that they were rough, with dull nails and black dirt in the creases. It's the result of handling fire and getting soot in the stove. Even a careful woman who cooks could have gotten dirty. Additionally, the skin on her neck is different from that on her face."
Su Zimeng explained.
"If she had undergone a disguise in advance and then been bitten by the Imperial Soul Marauder, her appearance would not change."
Mu Yunxuan stood up abruptly. "Your Highness, immediately send someone to invite His Majesty to the Clear Moon Palace. I have a way to restore that woman's original appearance."
"Very well!" Jun Shaochen quickly instructed a maid outside to fetch Emperor Haoyue.
The three of them hurriedly made their way to the Clear Moon Palace.
If it weren't for the need to release Li'er and Qi'er from prison as soon as possible, Su Zimeng wouldn't have alarmed them so early.
Once the identity of that woman was exposed, it would be difficult to find the mastermind behind it.
Chunyu Qinghua was already with Emperor Haoyue and rushed to the Clear Moon Palace upon hearing the report from the palace maid. Su Zimeng and Cheng Jiuzheng were at odds, and Cheng Jiuzheng, loyal as he was, wouldn't allow Su Zimeng to open the coffin.
Su Zimeng didn't argue with her. She waited for Emperor Haoyue to arrive, as she knew Cheng Jiuzheng couldn't stop him if he wanted to open the coffin.
"Chener," Emperor Haoyue strode into the room, followed by Chunyu Qinghua and Qin Gonggong.
"Father, Your Majesty, Miss Su has found evidence suggesting that the person who died here might not be Princess Yuerong."
"What? How is that possible?" Chunyu Qinghua exclaimed in shock.
Emperor Haoyue glanced at Chunyu Qinghua.
"Qinghua, you seem rather excited. Isn't it a good thing if my Rong'er is still alive?"
Chunyu Qinghua lowered his gaze and calmly explained, "Your Majesty, you misunderstood. I was shocked by the fact that the princess is not dead."
"Open the coffin," Emperor Haoyue ordered, and four guards appeared behind him.
Cheng Jiuzheng clenched his lips but had to step aside.
The guards carefully removed the body.
Mu Yunxuan approached, a white light forming in his hand, which he gently infused into the face of the deceased.
Soon, the appearance of Jun Yuerong faded, revealing a completely unfamiliar face.
The onlookers gasped in astonishment, and the Empress arrived in haste.
She rushed to the side of the body, tore open the clothes, and examined the shoulders.
The Empress turned around in excitement. "Your Majesty, she is truly not Yuerong."
"Immediately investigate and find Princess Yuerong," Emperor Haoyue ordered, his robes swirling as he shook them forcefully.
"Nephew, if she is not Princess Yuerong, can my two sons be released from the dungeon?" Mu Yunxuan spoke calmly, his deep eyes filled with coldness.
If his uncle insisted on keeping his two sons imprisoned, it would shatter the relationship between their families that had been maintained for many years.
Emperor Haoyue looked deeply at Mu Yunxuan, understanding his character well. How could he not grasp the weight of his words? Despite being uncle and nephew, there would come a day when they would have a falling out.
"Xuan'er, Miss Su, this matter originated from Su Li and Su Qi. Since you were able to spot the flaws quickly, I presume you will find Princess Yuerong soon. After all, we haven't found Rong'er yet, and Su Li and Su Qi are still under arrest."
Emperor Haoyue's ethereal tone carried a sense of threat.
Su Zimeng, of course, didn't miss the implication in Emperor Haoyue's words.
"Uncle, I believe there is a misunderstanding. The search for the princess should be the responsibility of your court. Mo'er and I are neither officials nor members of the royal family. We have no obligation to search for the princess."
Mu Yunxuan firmly rejected Emperor Haoyue's proposal and would not be swayed by his threats.
Emperor Haoyue's face darkened upon hearing this.
"Xuan'er, you...!"
"Your Majesty, today is the day my daughter returns. Yunxuan doesn't want to miss the opportunity to see his daughter," Mu Yunxuan coldly interjected, his meaning clear.
The atmosphere instantly grew tense, with such nervousness that people barely dared to breathe.
After a moment of stalemate, Emperor Haoyue finally spoke, "Chener, have someone release Su Li and Su Qi from the dungeon."
"Yes, Father!" Jun Shaochen left the room.
Chunyu Qinghua stood to the side, feeling somewhat uneasy.
Mu Yunxuan and Su Zimeng didn't linger either and turned to leave.
"Mother, Mother!" Su Qi spotted Su Zimeng outside the palace gates and excitedly called out.
If he had known he would be released so quickly, he wouldn't have resorted to exchanging secrets with the Crown Prince.
Su Li walked steadily, with Jun Shaochen, who had a smiling face, following behind him.
"Thank you, Crown Prince!" Su Zimeng smiled, picking up Su Qi and holding Su Li's hand. These two little ones had a tough night.
"Don't mention it, Miss Su!" Jun Shaochen smiled back, even happier when he remembered what Su Qi had said.
"If you don't call me Miss Su but address me as 'Madam,' I would be even more grateful!"
Mu Yunxuan's mood was excellent, and he laughed, saying so.
"Your Majesty, I didn't expect you to have a sense of humor," Jun Shaochen said, his lips curling up, his handsome face filled with tenderness.
"Then we shall take our leave." Su Zimeng smiled, radiant under the sunlight, blinding to the eyes.
"Until we meet again," Jun Shaochen thought, they would see each other again soon.
This night's events quietly passed by, and before the people at the Moonlight Villa woke up, Su Li and Su Qi had returned to the villa.
As today was the day Su Xin returned, everyone at the Moonlight Villa woke up early, preparing to go to Yun City.
The Ghost Palace, located in a nondescript small village outside the palace, was deserted during the day but brightly lit and bustling at night. People called it the "Ghost Palace." It was situated in a dangerous area where ordinary people rarely ventured.
A man in a black robe leaped several times and disappeared inside a house.
There were many black-clad people in the dark, watching him enter without daring to stop him.
"Hua gege, you're here." Inside the underground palace, Jun Yue Rong, engrossed in reading, saw the visitor and stood up in surprise.
"Rong'er, it's not good! Su Zi Mo and Mu Yun Xuan have discovered the woman's identity. Emperor Haoyue knows that you're not dead."
"What? How did they find out so quickly?" Jun Yue Rong muttered to herself, disbelief written on her face.
"Even if they know, so what? They can search the entire capital city of Haoyue Kingdom and still won't find me."
"Rong'er, listen to me. Su Zi Mo is not someone to be trifled with, and Mu Yun Xuan is even more formidable. Their two sons were unjustly imprisoned, and they won't just let it go. Rong'er, let go of your hatred. Let's find a place where nobody knows us and live happily, alright?"
The man tried to persuade Jun Yue Rong to turn back.
"No!" Jun Yue Rong exclaimed, taking a few steps back in excitement.
"Hua gege, you've changed. Weren't you always supportive of Rong'er? Are you afraid of Su Zi Mo and Mu Yun Xuan? What I've endured all these years, just because I'm a daughter, am I destined to be abandoned?"
Jun Yue Rong was extremely agitated, tears welling up in her eyes as she shook her head, looking at the man in the black robe.
"Rong'er, it's not about fear, it's... it's that we really don't need to do that. If we do, you will suffer greatly, really suffer."
"What's wrong with suffering? Hua gege, just because I'm a woman, I was abandoned by my own mother. She treats other people's children like her own, but ignores me, who has been chronically ill. I must prove to her that women are not necessarily inferior to men."
Jun Yue Rong's face turned cold as she turned her back to the man in the black robe.
The man lowered his gaze, watching her troubled figure, feeling a pang of heartache.
"Rong'er, don't be angry. We must consider this matter carefully."
At these words, Jun Yue Rong swiftly turned around, tears streaming down her face as she looked at the man in the black robe.
"Hua gege, we have been preparing for so many years. Are you still asking me to wait? We control half of the power in the palace. With just a word from me, the entire palace will be ours, won't it?"
"Rong'er, listen to me. Things are not as simple as you think. Although Emperor Haoyue is benevolent, he is still extremely cautious. Among all the princes and princesses, he only truly trusts the Crown Prince."
"Hua gege, I don't want to hear these things. Aren't you talented and cunning? We've been preparing for so long, isn't it enough?" Jun Yue Rong sternly questioned the man in the black robe.
"Rong'er..."
"Hua gege, Su Zi Mo and Mu Yun Xuan are obstacles for us. With your abilities, you can definitely eliminate them, right?"
Jun Yue Rong excitedly grabbed the black-robed man's arm, a pleading look in her eyes as she interrupted his words.
"Rong'er..." The man gently pulled Jun Yue Rong into his embrace, feeling heartbroken.
"Rong'er, don't be angry. We will discuss this matter thoroughly."
In Yun City, inside the Yunxiao Hall, it was bustling with activity today.
To see Su Xin, Nalan Wen Hao's family, Murong Shao Feng, and Nalan Li Xin all came to Yun City.
"Mother, it's been a month since we last saw Xin'er. Has she grown taller?" Su Qi lay in Su Zi Mo's arms, chattering non-stop.
"Qi'er! Li'er, you've all come." Jun Zi Xi smiled and squinted his eyes when he saw Su Li and Su Qi.
"Hello, Grandfather and Grandmother!" Su Qi and Su Li stood up and greeted them politely.
"Yes!" Mu Yu Feng nodded with a smile. "It hasn't been easy waiting for all of you to come back as a family."
After speaking, Mu Yu Feng and Jun Zi Xi turned around.
They greeted Murong Shao Feng and Situ Ruoyan.
"King Nalan, Queen, welcome to Yun City." Mu Yu Feng greeted them with a pleasant expression. His son becoming the son-in-law of the Li Xia Kingdom made him even happier, and Jun Zi Xi also had a smiling face. She now had no objections to Su Zi Mo and was growing more fond of her.
"Old Sovereign, please don't be so polite. After our future sovereign marries Mo'er, we will be family," Nalan Wen Hao said with a smile. He was very satisfied with Murong Shao Feng as his son-in-law.
"Good! Good! Xuan'er, did you hear that? Your father-in-law has spoken. You must quickly marry Mo'er," Su Zi Mo urged, grinning. She turned to Su Zi Mo and whispered with a meaningful smile.
"I will make you agree as soon as possible." Murong Shao Feng smiled and leaned close to her ear, his words carrying deep meaning.
Murong Shao Feng looked at them, feeling a pang of pain in his heart, and thought, Mo'er, you must be happy. Only when you're happy can I feel happiness, only when you're joyful can I feel joy. Time may age people, but it won't fade my feelings for you. I will always carry my love for you and watch you become happier day by day.
Unconsciously, Mu Yun Xuan's gaze drifted towards Murong Shao Feng.