Chapter 17 Making the Act Complete

Lou Jin withdrew his gaze, picked up his teacup, took a sip, and then said, "We've made some progress. The spices do indeed originate from the Southern Frontier and are related to the Black Miao tribe that came to pay tribute three years ago. The tribe's leader later became very close to Lou Shang."

Ye Xunyang's pupils contracted, and his fists clenched instinctively: "It really was him! I knew it! Who else could be so eager for you to die!"

Lou Jin gestured for him to calm down: "At present, it is only a clue pointing to the truth, and there is no conclusive evidence yet. The Black Miao tribe is skilled in using Gu poison and acts in secret. The leader died in internal strife not long after returning to the country, and the clues have almost been lost."

"Then what should we do? Are we just going to let him get away with it?" Ye Xunyang was unwilling to give up.

"Of course not."

"Since he can't hold back and makes another move, he will inevitably leave new weaknesses. We just need to wait patiently and observe the situation."

"But it's you."

"In the coming days, try to stay home as little as possible unless absolutely necessary. If you must go out, be sure to bring plenty of helpers and be extremely careful with your food and daily life."

Ye Xunyang knew he was worried about his safety. Although he felt a little stifled, he still nodded and said, "I understand. I'll be careful."

"But Your Highness, don't worry too much. I'm tough! Besides, don't you... and Shanlan and the others protect me?"

He wanted to say, "Isn't it you who protects me?" but the words caught in his throat, so he quickly added "Shanlan."

Lou Jin glanced at him, said nothing, and simply turned his gaze back to the shimmering lake.

A gentle breeze carries the fragrance of flowers.

The pavilion was quiet for a moment, with only the occasional chirping of birds and the sound of Ye Xunyang occasionally clinking his teacup.

After a long while, Lou Jin suddenly spoke softly, as if talking to himself, or as if speaking to Ye Xunyang: "This garden has not been so lively in a long time."

Ye Xunyang was idly counting the fish in the water when he heard this and looked up to see Lou Jin gazing at the garden view from the side, looking rather forlorn.

He blurted out, "If Your Highness likes it, I'll push you out for a stroll every day. Once you're fully recovered, we can even have a martial arts competition in the garden."

Upon hearing this, Lou Jin turned his head, his deep gaze falling on Ye Xunyang's face, carrying an emotion that Ye Xunyang could not understand. After a long while, he slightly curled the corners of his lips and said two words very softly.

"OK."

The investigation into the mountain was not entirely without progress.

Analysis and investigation of the spice residue confirmed that this mixed poison required a rare plant called Heart-Eating Grass as a medicinal guide.

The Heart-Eating Grass only grows in specific miasma-ridden areas of southern Xinjiang, and its harvesting and processing methods are extremely unique and cannot be mastered by anyone other than the core members of the Black Miao tribe.

Meanwhile, Wang Quan's investigation into the internal affairs of the Prince's Mansion also yielded results.

There were three servants who handled the bag of roasted chestnuts that day: the gatekeeper, the maid who delivered the food box, and Qiuwen, a second-class maid who was responsible for receiving items in the outer room of the main courtyard.

The first two had clean backgrounds, had been in the Prince's mansion for many years, and showed no signs of anything unusual.

Only Qiuwen was sent by the Imperial Household Department half a year ago, and it seems that she has an older brother who is addicted to gambling.

Shan Lan secretly watched Qiu Wen for several days and found that she did not make any unusual moves and acted cautiously, seemingly unaware that she might be being used.

The trail seems to have stalled again.

Inside the study, Shan Lan reported coldly, "The other party is very cunning, using this method of poisoning through multiple hands and making it difficult to trace the source."

"Qiuwen may have been chosen unintentionally, and she herself may not even know that there was something wrong with that bag of chestnuts."

Lou Jin leaned back in his chair, his fingertips lightly tapping the armrest: "Since they've chosen to infiltrate, they won't just use it once. Keep a close eye on her, and everyone in the manor who has recently entered and whose background is suspicious. Also, investigate Qiu Wen's brother and see if he's recently come into contact with any money or valuables of unknown origin."

"yes."

After Shan Lan left, Ye Xunyang frowned and said, "Isn't this like looking for a needle in a haystack? What if they don't make a move for the time being?"

"They will take action."

“The news of my improved condition couldn’t be kept secret; they were more anxious than anyone else. If it doesn’t work the first time, they’ll try again. What we need to do is make them think they have an opportunity, and then… catch them by the tail.”

Ye Xunyang nodded as if he understood, feeling that this convoluted conspiracy was more mentally exhausting than fighting a war.

He was more used to being straightforward, but since Lou Jin said so, he chose to believe him.

"Your Highness, what should we do next?"

Lou Jin looked at him, a calculating glint in his eyes: "Tomorrow, I will have Wang Quan spread the word that my body is getting weaker and weaker due to the poisoning I suffered last time, and that I need a rare blood spirit mushroom to prolong my life."

"As for this Blood Lingzhi, only Jishetang in the capital still has a century-old specimen in its warehouse."

Ye Xunyang's eyes lit up: "Luring the snake out of its hole?"

"Hmm." Lou Jin nodded.

"If they want to prevent me from getting the medicine, or if they want to tamper with the medicine, this is their chance. Jishetang has a complicated background and is involved with various forces, making it a good place to strike."

"What about me? What can I do?" Ye Xunyang was eager to try.

"You?" Lou Jin sized him up.

"You may leave the manor as usual tomorrow, either to the drill ground or back to the General's Mansion, but you must do so in a grand manner, letting everyone know that you are not in the manor. After you return, announce to the outside world that because I am seriously ill, you are depressed and are going to the royal temple outside the city to fast and pray for blessings for three days."

"Huh? Fasting?" Ye Xunyang's face fell.

"Three more days? That's going to suffocate us!"

"If you're going to put on an act, go all the way," Lou Jin said calmly.

"Moreover, temples are quiet and safer."

Although Ye Xunyang was reluctant, he knew this was the important matter, so he had no choice but to agree with a bitter face: "Alright, alright, I'll endure it for the sake of catching the murderer!"

Seeing his heroic appearance as he faced death, a smile flickered in Lou Jin's eyes.

The plan was thus finalized.

The following day, news indeed came from the Prince Jin's mansion that the prince's illness had worsened, and the atmosphere in the mansion immediately became heavy.

Ye Xunyang followed the plan. In the morning, he rode a tall horse and, with his entourage, swaggered through the city to the drill ground. In the afternoon, he returned to the General's Mansion and didn't come back until evening. Then, with a worried look on his face, he announced his decision to go and pray for blessings.

The news spread quickly.

Inside the Prince of Shang's mansion, Lou Shang listened to his subordinate's report, a smug grin spreading across his face: "Seriously ill? It seems the poison is working."

"Blood Ganoderma? How could I let him have his way? And that Ye Xunyang, it's better if he goes to the temple, so he won't be in the way in the mansion."

"Also, send someone to Jishetang to keep an eye on things and see if there's an opportunity... In addition, make some arrangements at the temple to cause some trouble for my good sister-in-law."