Mu Yunxuan suddenly noticed some commotion outside. He had just taken a step forward when Su Zimo pulled him back, shaking her head.
"Since Jun Yuerong is not dead, Qing Feng, you go to the palace and inform the Crown Prince about this matter. Ask him to bring people and join us in attacking the Ghost Palace's stronghold. Also, Qing Lian, make sure to clear out the area around Mingyue Villa," Su Zimo coldly instructed. Since they had gathered enough information, there was no need to invite more trouble.
"Alright, Master. Qing Lian will go and inform Liu Yue," Qing Lian turned to leave.
Qing Feng was about to head to the palace when he noticed Mo Niang at the entrance.
Observing Mo Niang's expression, Qing Feng furrowed his brows and nodded at her before swiftly leaving.
"Mo Nainai, why don't you come inside?" Su Zimo asked.
"Oh, Qi'er, Mo Nainai will come in right away," Mo Niang replied.
"Mo Niang, are you feeling better?" Su Zimo got up, supported Mo Niang, and helped her onto a chair, pouring her a cup of tea.
"Momomo, Mo Nainai is fine. Mo Nainai was just standing at the entrance and overheard you saying that Jun Yuerong isn't dead. Is it true?" Mo Niang held Su Zimo's hand tightly, feeling a bit nervous.
Su Zimo could feel the sweat in Mo Niang's palm, wondering why she was so anxious about the matters in the palace.
"Mo Nainai, based on the information we gathered, it's highly likely that Jun Yuerong is alive."
"Is that so?" Mo Niang lowered her gaze, lost in thought.
Yuerong had been raised as her own daughter, and if the Emperor found out that Yuerong was still alive, the events of the past would undoubtedly resurface.
Ji Wuer, you caused our separation for more than twenty years. This time, your own daughter will seek revenge. Let's see if you can escape.
"You're alright, Mo Nainai?" Mo Niang suddenly snapped back to reality and forced a smile as she looked at Su Zimo.
A flicker of doubt flashed in Su Zimo's eyes.
"Momomo, Mo Nainai is fine. Mo Nainai came here to tell you that her health has improved a lot. Today, she plans to go to the herbal medicine store. You don't have to worry about Mo Nainai's health..."
"Mo Nainai, don't bother with going to the herbal medicine store. It's better to wait until you're fully recovered before going," Su Zimo interrupted.
"Momo, if I keep idling around like this, Mo Nainai will feel stifled. I need something to do to pass the time faster. I'll only go for half a day today, and then I'll come back to rest," Mo Niang got up and hurriedly walked out.
Watching Mo Niang's hasty departure, Su Zimo was filled with suspicion. There must be something that Mo Niang was hiding from her.
Su Zimo lowered her gaze and suddenly noticed a jade pendant on the chair.
She thought it must have been dropped by Mo Niang and picked it up. It was a well-polished round piece of ivory jade with a soaring dragon carved on top and the character "Chen" in the middle.
Mu Yunxuan looked at it, puzzled. "How does Mo Niang have a jade pendant reserved for the palace?"
"Yunxuan, do you think this is a jade pendant exclusive to the palace?" Su Zimo examined it closely.
"Yes, the color of this ivory jade is beautiful. It's the type that the late Empress liked the most. Over time, it became a symbol of the royal family. The princes have dragons carved on their pendants, with the last character of their names engraved on them. The princesses have phoenixes carved on theirs, also with the last character of their names engraved. My mother also has one with the character 'Xi' engraved on it," Mu Yunxuan explained.
"If that's the case, with the character 'Chen' carved on this jade, it can only be related to the Crown Prince," Su Zimo's mind suddenly jumped to the name Jun Shaochen.
"In the palace, only the Crown Prince has the character 'Chen' as the last character in his name."
"So, what's the connection between Mo Niang and this jade pendant?" Su Zimo wondered, recalling Mo Niang's expression when she mentioned the Crown Prince. Coupled with her recent strange behavior, could there be some kind of connection between Mo Niang and the Crown Prince...?
In the palace, Jun Shaochen had spent the night contemplating and decided to come and gauge his father's attitude.
However, before going to meet the Emperor of Haoyue, Jun Shaochen first sent someone to the place where Yao Fei had passed by, instructing them to spread the news about the death of Concubine Li and its connection to the Empress.
Indeed, upon hearing the rumors, Yao Fei felt restless. After returning to Yao Shu Palace, she became even more uneasy.
Inside Yao Shu Palace, Yao Fei couldn't help but think that she had a chance to overthrow the Empress, but she also worried that the information might be unreliable, leaving her unsure of what to do.
"Qingyun, immediately inform the Third Prince to come to the palace and see this palace."
"Yes, Noble Consort."
In the study room, the Emperor of Haoyue was immersed in handling official documents.
Qin Gonggong hurriedly entered, his figure reflecting on the shiny marble floor.
"Your Majesty! The Crown Prince requests an audience."
Upon hearing this, the Emperor of Haoyue looked up. "Let the Crown Prince come in."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
The Emperor of Haoyue closed the completed memorial, tidied his writing brush, and displayed an elegant and noble demeanor.
Just then, Jun Shaochen entered.
"Father."
"Chen'er, it's rare for you to come to me voluntarily."
A smile appeared at the corner of the Emperor of Haoyue's lips, showing how much he doted on his son.
"Father, it's my filial piety. While you handle the affairs of the state every day, I have been preoccupied with leisure activities without understanding the burdens you carry and failing to share them."
"Oh!" The Emperor of Haoyue's eyes shimmered with a hint of brightness, filled with satisfaction.
"It seems that my Chen'er has grown up."
"I have caused you concern, Father."
Jun Shaochen lowered his head in guilt and looked into the familiar eyes. In the Emperor of Haoyue's mind, a smiling face with blossoming beauty flashed. Could it be that he loved Chen'er so much because of those similar eyes?
Manqi, in the end, I let you down.
"Father, I heard that you also had a deeply beloved woman back then. I wonder..."
The Emperor of Haoyue suddenly looked at Jun Shaochen, a flicker of doubt passing through his eyes. Why would Chen'er bring up this matter? He suddenly felt that Chen'er had a purpose in coming today.
"Did Father never suspect the cause of her death?"
To conceal his excitement, Jun Shaochen tightly clenched his fists.
The Emperor of Haoyue's eyes churned with turmoil, his face filled with anguish.
"How could I not have doubted it? She died from postpartum hemorrhage, leaving behind Rong'er, who was frail and sickly."
The Emperor of Haoyue looked at the scenery outside the study window, his heart torn with pain, telling him that he still loved the woman who had died many years ago.
Gradually, a pang of pain filled Jun Shaochen's heart. Did she really die from postpartum hemorrhage? He desperately wanted to ask the Emperor of Haoyue what he was doing when the Imperial Concubine was giving birth, and where he was when the Empress swapped the two children.
"Father, I heard that on the day Concubine Li gave birth, the Empress also gave birth to me. Is that true?"
Jun Shaochen's throat rolled several times before he managed to speak.
"Yes, on that day, the Empress and Concubine Li gave birth. You and Rong'er were born on the same day. At that time, a group of monsters invaded the city, and I led the troops to drive them away. When I returned, I heard that Concubine Li had died in difficult labor. I only remembered that my world had collapsed."
The Emperor of Haoyue's face was filled with anguish, and he turned away from Jun Shaochen, clearly indicating that he didn't want to say more.
"So, Father, do you truly believe that Concubine Li indeed died from difficult labor?"
Tears welled up in Jun Shaochen's handsome face, streaming down quickly.
"If you loved Concubine Li so much, why did you accept one woman after another into the palace?"
Jun Shaochen couldn't understand how one could accept other women after deeply loving someone.
"Chen'er, your father also has his difficulties."
"After all, what difficulties does the Emperor face? Is it just to hope for a woman who he can see every day, the woman he loves, while having nothing else?"
Having spoken, Jun Shaochen turned around and walked away quickly.
When the Emperor of Haoyue turned around, he only saw a resolute figure leaving.
In Yao Shu Palace, Jun Lintian strode in.
"Mother, you're here. I was worried sick about you."
Yao Fei stood up and held Jun Lintian's arm, sitting beside her on the soft couch.
"Lintian, by summoning you to the palace suddenly, does Mother have urgent matters to discuss?"
"Lintian, half an hour ago, Mother overheard palace maids near the Imperial Garden spreading rumors about the death of Concubine Li being related to the Empress. Though they whispered it, Mother still heard. Mother thinks this is a good opportunity to bring down the Empress, but she's afraid the news might be unreliable, so she summoned you to the palace to seek your advice."
After listening, Jun Lintian frowned slightly. "Mother, regardless of the reliability of this news, there must be others in the palace who want to bring down the Empress. For us, it is advantageous."
"If this news is reliable, then the Empress is completely finished. We won't even have to take action. Concubine Li was the woman Father loved the most."
A flash of malice crossed Yao Fei's eyes. The throne could only belong to Lintian. Jun Shaochen was simply unworthy. Once the Empress falls, Lintian's opportunity will come.
"Lintian, we should wait and see for now. The news should have reached the Empress's ears by now. If the Empress is truly responsible for what happened back then, her character will surely show signs of panic."
"You're right, Mother. If you were to go over there now, it would be inevitable that it would backfire. Moreover, the Empress might think that you were the one spreading these rumors. Fortunately, Mother sent Qingyun to bring me to the palace. If it weren't for the incident of being placed in seclusion, Mother would have impulsively confronted the Empress as before."
Jun Lintian smiled gently. "Mother, you did the right thing this time. The more composed we are, the clearer we can see the enemy's weaknesses. When the time comes for counterattack, the opponent will be defenseless."
Yao Fei nodded. "Lintian, you have experienced many ups and downs recently, and it seems you have grown more mature. To hear you speak these words makes Mother even more gratified. As for Su Zimo, she has a different status now compared to before. If Lintian wants revenge, you must take your time."
"Don't worry, Mother. I will handle this matter. With the current disturbances in the palace, considering Father's character, he will definitely investigate this matter thoroughly. The Crown Prince is also busy with Princess Yuerong's affairs and doesn't have much time to care about this. For us, it's beneficial and harmless." Jun Lintian's deep eyes flashed with a trace of satisfaction. Some things, perhaps he didn't need to intervene to achieve the desired outcome.
In Fengyi Palace, the Empress was enjoying a massage from a palace maid.
Suddenly, an anxious Huang Mama hurriedly entered and whispered something in the Empress's ear with a grave expression.
After listening, the Empress sat up abruptly, waving her hand to dismiss the attending palace maid.
Her face changed drastically, and she angrily asked, "Where did the news come from?"
"Niangniang, it hasn't been determined yet. The news is spreading everywhere in the palace at the moment. His Majesty should be in the study. When the news reaches His Majesty's ears, Niangniang needs to think of a way to respond quickly."
A trace of worry flashed in Huang Mama's eyes.
The Empress furrowed her brows and contemplated for a moment.
"Huang Mama, the people who knew about that matter are mostly dead by now. Even if His Majesty wants to investigate, he won't find any trace."
But upon further consideration, the Empress still felt uneasy.
She instructed, "Huang Mama, leave the palace quickly and bring my father and Yu'er into the palace. Tell them I have an important matter to discuss."
Huang Mama raised her gaze and glanced at the Empress, furrowing her brows.
"Niangniang, leaving the palace at this moment might raise suspicions. It's been said that Yao Fei has already received the news. She probably summoned Third Prince to the palace to discuss this matter as well."
A glimmer of coldness flickered in the Empress's brow. "That treacherous woman always enjoys adding fuel to the fire. The fact that she's so composed makes people puzzled. Hasn't His Majesty received the news yet? If you're afraid of attracting attention by leaving the palace, then find a way to pass the news to my father."
"Yes, Niangniang, this servant will go and give the orders."
Huang Mama left with a worried expression.
Jun Shaochen hid in the shadows, listening attentively to their conversation.
After Huang Mama left, he also left and took a group of guards to Mingyue Manor.
In the Bright Moon Pavilion of Mingyue Mountain, Muyun Han arrived with Muyun Yue, and they were chatting with Su Zimo and the others.
Qinghe hurriedly entered the Bright Moon Pavilion.
"Zhuangzhu, the Crown Prince has arrived."
"Tell the Crown Prince to go to the main hall. We will join him shortly."
"Alright!"
"Ah! Finally, you've arrived. I've been waiting anxiously," Su Qi complained, looking like he was about to fall asleep.
"You! You can't sit still for even a moment. Today, you've already been sitting for over an hour," Su Zimo looked at her somewhat sleepy-eyed son, a mix of exasperation and amusement in her eyes.
"If Uncle and Aunt hadn't come, I would have gone to teach Li Xiaonuan cultivation long ago. There hasn't been much going on lately, and she practices with Tongzi every day. Tongzi has her brother to teach her, and Xiaonuan has Tongzi. She doesn't need to go to the Alchemy Pavilion every day. I'm getting bored."
Su Qi stretched his lazy waist. "Life is boring when there's nothing to do, and it's a prison when it gets exciting. Life is unpredictable."
Su Zimo was completely speechless and shook her head. Her second son was beyond help, especially with his mouth. She couldn't figure out who he took after. It wasn't like he followed his father, which was even more impossible, and he didn't resemble her either. She wasn't as chatty as him. Su Zimo even worried in her heart that her son might not be able to find a wife in the future.
"When you have nothing to do, read more books. Look at your brother, he's been taking care of Mother's account books recently, and he calculates them accurately down to the last penny. And you? You don't even know how much two taels of silver is."
"Wow!" Su Qi exaggeratedly exclaimed, "Mother, you know that your son is always restless. He's simply not cut out for business. Brother is the perfect candidate for that. Father and you should focus on nurturing him. If you think that brother is too burdened on his own, then have another son to inherit your family business. Qi'er won't go into business."
Su Qi stepped across the threshold with his short legs, looked up at the sky, and realized that it was still spring. The weather was lovely, with birds chirping and fragrant flowers everywhere, putting one in a good mood.
Muyun Han and Muyun Yue shook their heads and smiled, even Su Li shook his head.
Muyun Xuan smiled, "Qi'er, both Mingyue Manor and the Mu family are the responsibilities of you and your brother. You shouldn't say such things. Qi'er should share the burden with your brother."
"Father, when it comes to alchemy, Qi'er is interested, but when it comes to business, Qi'er is a fool. What about Qi'er? In a few more years, I want to go on a journey, to help others with my skills."
Su Qi said earnestly. If he wasn't young now and his mother wasn't worried about him, he would have left long ago. Staying in one place for a long time was really boring.
"Suit yourself! I don't have high expectations for you anyway."
Su Zimo pouted. If Qi'er didn't like it, even if she put a knife to his neck, he might not do it.
As they spoke, they had already arrived in the main hall.
Jun Shaochen sat quietly, his eyebrows furrowed, lost in thought. Su Zimo was reminded of the jade pendant that Mu Niang had dropped.
"Greetings to the Crown Prince."
They all bowed together.
Jun Shaochen stood up, suppressing his emotions and putting on a bright smile. "Zhuangzhu, Yunxuan, there's no need for excessive formalities."
He glanced at Muyun Han and Muyun Yue, "Yunhan, Yue'er, I didn't expect to find you both here at Mingyue Manor."
"In response to Your Highness, I happened to have some matters to discuss with Big Brother today, so I brought Yue'er along," Muyun Han replied.
"Seeing your family getting along so harmoniously, I can't help but feel envious," Jun Shaochen smiled knowingly. The Empress had treated him well over the years, but their mother-son relationship lacked depth, and he always felt like something was missing.
Su Zimo and the others chose to remain silent. After all, Jun Shaochen was the Crown Prince, with high status and power. It was best not to speak too much about certain matters.
Su Zimo lowered her gaze, knowing that Su Qi would not be able to keep his mouth shut after taking a few steps forward.
"Your Highness, as a family, it's only natural for us to get along harmoniously. If Your Highness has the good fortune to become..."
Su Qi quickly changed the subject, realizing that it wasn't appropriate to continue speaking. Otherwise, his mother would definitely explode.
"Qi'er, why stop halfway in your words?" Jun Shaochen looked at him expectantly.
"Hehe!" Su Qi smirked cunningly, "Your Highness, it's nothing. There's some progress regarding the Ghost Palace matter. Since Your Highness is the one investigating the incident, we are waiting for you to make a decision."
Su Qi suddenly changed the topic.
"Since there's progress, let's resolve this matter quickly. The Emperor is also waiting for the outcome of this matter."
Jun Shaochen felt an indescribable feeling in his heart when he thought of Jun Yuerong. Although they were siblings, they had no emotional connection. Every time Yuerong saw him, she wore a cold expression on her face and didn't even address him as Crown Prince. He didn't have much fondness for his sister, Yuerong.
"Zimo shares the same thoughts. We suspect that Princess Yuerong didn't die and is currently in the Ghost Palace. After all, in two days, Zimo will set off for the Li Xia Kingdom. If this matter isn't resolved, there will always be an unease in her heart. If we receive reliable information, two days will be enough time to resolve this."
"Very well! To avoid lingering uncertainties, let's take action now."
It would be even better if Yuerong hadn't died! He wanted to ask her why she had done such a thing.
"Then let's set off! We'll guide Your Highness." Su Li stood up, his face dark. Only by finding the culprit would he find peace.
Inside the Ghost Palace, Chunyu Qinghua felt somewhat uneasy. The chaotic footsteps from last night made him even more uneasy, giving him a bad premonition.
"Hua gege, you've been restless since last night because of a few footprints. This isn't like you," Jun Yuerong looked at Chunyu Qinghua with displeasure. He was making a big deal out of nothing. It was only natural for people to leave footprints outside as they passed by.
"Rong'er, I just feel that something's not right. How about we temporarily leave this place?" Chunyu Qinghua pleaded with Jun Yuerong.
"No, Hua gege, do you know how much effort I put into creating this Ghost Palace just to have a peaceful place? For a few footprints, you want me to leave the underground palace that I painstakingly created? Besides, Rong'er has already followed Hua gege's advice and didn't touch Mingyue Manor. I just set up an ambush nearby. How could Su Zimo and the others possibly find this place?"
Jun Yuerong vehemently refuted, raising her voice. Her plan hadn't even started yet, and she hadn't made them experience the feeling of being worse than death. How could she give up now?
"Rong'er, I'm not asking you to give up. I'm suggesting a temporary departure. The Crown Prince is thoroughly investigating this matter, and Su Zimo and Muyun Xuan are helping investigate your situation. The matter of the fake princess, which Han Wu Zuo failed to see through but was discovered by Su Zimo, will undoubtedly make her suspicious that you didn't die."
After carefully analyzing the situation, Chunyu Qinghua felt that Su Zimo concealed herself too deeply. Some things, even if she saw through them, she wouldn't reveal. Such a person, like him, would cause fatal harm to others.