That evening, the guards inside the Duke's mansion relaxed their vigilance, and Cao Wan'er waited anxiously inside.

A moment later, a maidservant sneaked in from outside and slipped into the room under the cover of night.

As soon as Cao Wan'er saw someone come in, she quickly asked, "How did it go?"

“Then Miss Song is right. The Cao family has indeed been imprisoned. I heard that His Majesty is very angry and will not allow anyone to plead for them. They will be executed in a few days.”

Cao Wan'er slumped into the stool, exclaiming, "Impossible, impossible..."

"He said he would protect my family's safety, but that's impossible, absolutely impossible!"

The maidservant said anxiously, "Miss Cao, what time is it now? Are you still counting on people outside? You'd better think of a solution quickly, because I'm afraid I won't be able to help you anymore. If the manor finds out, you'll lose your life."

Upon hearing this, Cao Wan'er quickly gave all her valuables to the maid: "These are all good things I have. Please help me find out more, I beg you."

The maid was a little embarrassed and refused to accept it, but Cao Wan'er insisted on stuffing the things into her hands.

"This is the last time, the last time, I will definitely not tell anyone about this."

Since entering the Duke's mansion, Cao Wan'er has lost contact with the outside world. She has no idea what the situation is like outside and is really worried about it.

She didn't believe what Song Ninglai said last time, but the news brought by the maid today forced her to believe it, though she still didn't dare to believe it completely.

What if, what if all this information is a lie to her?

After much deliberation, the maidservant finally accepted the gift, saying solemnly, "This is truly the last time."

Thank you.

The maidservant quietly left the room again.

Outside the courtyard, someone was already waiting.

As soon as the maid left, she quickly bowed to Song Ning and said, "Miss Song."

"How about it?"

“I have already told her what you asked, but Miss Cao is still not giving up. She asked me to investigate again and gave me some valuables.”

As he spoke, he was about to hand over the things Cao Wan'er had given him to Song Ning.

"These things are for you, so please take them. You've worked hard this time, and you deserve them."

"Thank you, young lady."

"By the way, Cao Wan'er didn't suspect anything, did she?"

There should be no doubt.

"Alright, you can go now."

After leaving the courtyard, Song Ning went straight to Princess Jianing's courtyard, where Princess Jianing was sitting anxiously waiting inside.

Upon seeing Song Ning enter, Princess Jianing immediately stood up and asked, "How did it go?"

"There is still no result today, Your Highness. Please wait a little longer, it will be soon."

Cao Wan'er is a young girl; she must have made some kind of deal with the Crown Prince. In exchange for helping him frame Xie Linzhou, he must ensure the safety of the Cao family.

Cao Wan'er's biggest mistake was entering the Duke's mansion; once she was inside, there was no way she could get out.

Unaware of the situation outside, they could only resort to desperate measures.

They even dared to bribe a maid from the Duke's mansion, but this was exactly what Song Ning wanted; she had been waiting for this move.

If Cao Wan'er gets anxious, she will contact the Crown Prince outside. As long as she does, Jiang Shuyue will be able to find something to use against her.

On the other side, the Eastern Palace.

Tang Xinghuai sat to one side with a gloomy face, while Crown Prince Jiang Yuanji sat at the table with an expression of complete fearlessness.

Tang Xinghuai sighed: "Your Highness, why didn't you discuss this matter with me? It's too rash. If it's discovered, not only will we lose the northern border, but I'm afraid you won't even be able to keep your position as crown prince."

Jiang Yuanji said with a disdainful look: "What are you afraid of? I handled this matter discreetly, so no one will suspect us. Don't worry, I have already dealt with the relevant personnel."

A look of disdain flashed across Tang Xinghuai's eyes. What an idiot, thinking that he can get away with it by dealing with people?

What kind of place is the Duke's Mansion? Who is Princess Jianing? And who is Xie Linzhou?

Do you really think the Duke's Mansion has remained prosperous for so many years because Princess Jianing is His Majesty's younger sister?

The Xie family's military achievements were something that the emperor would have been wary of at any time, but the Xie family was not only not suppressed, but also increasingly valued.

Can't you see? The Emperor's favor towards the Xie family is no longer just ordinary; it's a place where one can entrust their life and fortune.

His Majesty has spoken; this is a frame-up. Xie Linzhou is not that kind of person. He has ordered a thorough investigation.

Anything that has been done can be traced back to its origin if one wants to investigate.

Besides, do you really think you've covered your tracks perfectly?

The Cao family's daughter is still in the Duke's mansion. As long as she hasn't come out, they will be in danger.

Being stupid without realizing it is truly stupid.

I thought he was an easy fool to handle, but I never expected him to cause such a huge mess.

However, Jiang Yuanji couldn't see Tang Xinghuai's worry at all, and was even proud of himself for doing something great: "Don't worry, Xie Linzhou is seriously injured now and definitely can't go to the Northern Border. Now our only enemy is the Second Prince."

Tang Xinghuai didn't want to talk. He had worked so hard for so long, and this idiot almost ruined everything.

Seeing that Tang Xinghuai remained silent, Jiang Yuanji was somewhat displeased. He was, after all, the Crown Prince, and even if Tang Xinghuai supported him, he was still just his subject. Now, it seemed that he was dissatisfied with him as the ruler.

Thinking of this, he immediately adopted the demeanor of a crown prince: "Prince Qi, you seem to be quite dissatisfied with me."

Tang Xinghuai noticed the change in Jiang Yuanji's tone and immediately stood up respectfully, saying, "Your Majesty, I dare not. I am only worried about Your Majesty. If this matter is discovered, how does Your Majesty intend to deal with it?"

Jiang Yuanji said confidently, "Don't worry, it won't be noticed."

It's hopeless, utterly hopeless.

Tang Xinghuai's heart sank, and he lowered his face without any expression.

That good-for-nothing is no wonder the emperor doesn't like him. If he had a son like that, he'd probably be so angry he'd vomit blood.

It seems he needs to find a way out for himself.

He thought the crown prince could be his shield, but he never expected the prince to be so stupid, actually thinking he was clever.

Just watch, this matter will be investigated very soon.

As Tang Xinghuai emerged from the East Palace, Qi Liangyuan quickly stepped forward and asked, "What did the Crown Prince say?"

Tang Xinghuai sneered: "As expected, he's an idiot. We probably can't use the Crown Prince as a pawn anymore. We'll have to think of a new way."

"What other way is there? Now everyone in the capital knows that you are the Crown Prince's man."

Tang Xinghuai said calmly, "It doesn't matter if everyone in the capital knows, as long as I say it's not true, then it's not true."

As soon as he finished speaking, a carriage slowly drove up from not far away. The person in the carriage got off and walked up to Tang Xinghuai and bowed respectfully: "Greetings, Your Highness Prince Qi. I am from the Second Prince's residence. My master invites Prince Qi to a tea house for a chat."

Tang Xinghuai arrived with a faint smile playing on his lips.