Although his hands were rough and cracked from years of hard work, they now carried an undeniable firmness and decisiveness.

He gently touched the side of Xuan Ying's cheek, his fingers moving across Xuan Ying's skin like nimble tentacles.

Carefully feeling every subtle texture and temperature, trying to find even the slightest trace of the mask.

Only after confirming that there was nothing wrong did he awkwardly touch his nose, a hint of embarrassment in his gesture.

Looking at Xuan Ying, who was in shock, with a slightly apologetic expression, he smiled apologetically.

That smile was filled with a sense of relief born from helplessness and caution, as if it were silently telling Xuan Ying about its worries and persistence.

The prince had warned them more than once with a serious expression that such magical and terrifying objects as human skin masks existed in this world.

It is like a double-edged sword; it can be a powerful tool to protect oneself, or it can become a tool for those with ill intentions to commit evil.

It allows people to easily impersonate another person, creating a perfect and almost flawless disguise that is impossible to defend against.

Today's events happened far too suddenly, and the situation is so complex, unpredictable, and mysterious, like a fog that is impossible to fathom.

Under such circumstances, he did this in order to calm his anxious and uneasy heart.

It seemed that only through such confirmation could the ever-present unease in my heart be dispelled.

Fortunately, Xuan Ying was not a narrow-minded person. Based on his understanding of the steward, he naturally understood the reason for the steward's caution.

In Xuan Ying's view, the butler's caution and prudence were actually a good thing that was gratifying and praiseworthy.

After all, this is a place that the prince values ​​highly, bearing many of his secrets and safety, like a solid fortress, where no mistakes are allowed.

If the steward is too careless, that would be a real misfortune, and could very likely bring unpredictable and unthinkable trouble to the prince.

Like throwing a boulder into a calm lake, triggering a chain reaction.

Just then, Su Jinyun and the Emperor's bodyguards strode over with steady and agile steps, like two black gusts of wind.

Butler Mo glanced up casually, his gaze like a sharp arrow, instantly capturing Su Jinyun's familiar yet noble face.

His expression suddenly froze, and his previously relaxed demeanor instantly turned serious and respectful, as if he were enveloped by an invisible force.

After a brief moment of blankness, his mind quickly recovered, and almost instinctively, he knelt down on both knees with swift and practiced movements.

His body leaned slightly forward, like an ancient pine tree paying homage to a distinguished person in a gentle breeze.

His voice, filled with reverence and respect, boomed and clear as a bell, as he said, "This old servant greets Your Highness."

The sound echoed slowly in the silent night, as if carrying the loyalty and respect that had been accumulated over the years.

Su Jinyun cast a gentle and concerned glance at the kneeling butler, who was still maintaining a respectful kneeling posture.

She gently raised her fair, jade-like, slender yet elegant hand and slowly waved it in the air.

The movements were slow and steady, like a gentle breeze rippling across a calm lake.

At the same time, she leaned slightly forward, lowered her voice, and spoke with deep caution and concern.

He asked softly, "Uncle Mo, has anything unusual happened in the capital these past few days? Think back carefully and don't miss any details."

Upon hearing the princess's question, the butler's expression immediately became serious and focused.

He lowered his eyes slightly, his gaze instantly becoming deep and profound, as if he were lost in a tense and detailed memory.

His thoughts were like a high-speed, precision instrument, rapidly and meticulously sorting through every event that had occurred in recent days.

From the bustling morning market with its vendors' calls to their wares, to the quiet and peaceful streets and alleys at night with the occasional sound of a night watchman striking the gong.

From the daily comings and goings at the Prince's mansion, the greetings and conversations among guests, to the subtle dynamics of various forces in the capital, and the hidden struggles and intrigues.

Every scene and every word appeared clearly in his mind, just like in a movie.

After a short while, he slowly raised his head, his eyes filled with determination and sincerity. He gently shook his head, then pondered for a moment before looking at Xuan Ying and Xuan Yu.