Outside the Cold Palace, Li Qingchen's men were guarding it. After more than half an hour, a brand new "Wen Chan" pushed open the door and walked out.

Not only did they look remarkably alike, but Feng Wan had even changed into Wen Chan's clothes exactly, meticulously dressing herself from head to toe. She was well aware of how crucial tonight was for her.

Hidden behind the tree, Yuan Que said to her, "The master wants you to wait at the Jade Essence Palace. He has arranged everything for you afterward."

Feng Wan nodded, and was about to take a step when a hint of unease flashed in her eyes: "By the way, what do you plan to do with her?"

“Of course, I will not spare her life,” Yuan Que said firmly.

Upon hearing this, Feng Wan smiled faintly and headed straight for Consort Wen's Jade Palace.

Having once dominated this imperial harem for many years, she was intimately familiar with every blade of grass, every tree, every palace, and every hall.

After the person had gone far away, Yuan Que returned to the Cold Palace to deal with the real Wen Chan, but he was slightly surprised when he found her.

Whether it was because Feng Wan transferred her hatred for her aunt to her, Wen Chan was left naked on the cold mud after Feng Wan took her clothes, without any cover-up.

Yuan Que sighed, stepped forward to pick up the eunuch's clothes that Feng Wan had discarded, casually wrapped them around Wen Chan, and handed them to the two men behind him who were responsible for smuggling chamber pots out of the palace that night. These two men were also spies planted in the palace by their Qiaochuan Prince's Mansion, and they would naturally be able to smuggle Wen Chan out of the palace without anyone noticing.

However, as the two men were carrying her, they realized that Wen Chan was still breathing, so they asked for permission: "Should we drown her?"

"No need, someone will meet you once you leave the palace." With that, Yuan Que took the lead and left.

Wen Chan could not die, of course. She would be imprisoned by the young prince in a certain place on the outskirts of the capital as a pawn to check Feng Wan in the future.

*

Yongning Palace was the palace residence bestowed upon the King of Qiao by Emperor Pingjia when the Qiao Kingdom submitted to the Emperor. This was partly to demonstrate his respect and trust for the former Qiao royal family, and partly to constantly remind them that only unwavering loyalty to Daye could ensure the eternal peace of the Qiao people.

With the Prince of Qiaochuan far away in Qiaochuan, this palace became a symbolic decoration until Li Qingchen came to the capital as a hostage. Only then did the palace come into use as his sleeping quarters when he occasionally stayed overnight in the palace.

It was already late, and a bright moon was slowly rising in the east. The lanterns in Yongning Palace were gradually lit. Li Qingchen sat behind his desk, intently fiddling with a few crumpled pieces of paper.

This was the list Wei Shuwan had given him. It had already been divided into several smaller pieces, but it was really difficult to break it apart any further. Moreover, at first glance, none of the writing on it was legible. Even if one could use every possible method to restore the paper to its original flatness, it wouldn't be of much use.

Li Qingchen seemed to have given up as well, leaning back in his chair and letting out a silent sigh.

According to the laws of the Great Ye Dynasty, the buying and selling of servants by officials and their families had to be recorded and reported, and the records were kept on file to monitor official corruption. However, twelve years ago, Wei Zheng was not an official but just a merchant, so it was difficult to find records of the Wei family's buying and selling of servants.

After much thought, the only option left was to ask the brokers in Wu County. However, brokers typically conduct frequent transactions and would not keep these records for twelve years.

Therefore, it is highly likely that this list cannot be re-verified. In other words, the truth about Wei Shuwan's younger brother, Wei Chengxiu, being framed and blinded will never be revealed.

Just as Li Qingchen was pondering with his brow furrowed, Yuan Que returned to report.

"Your Highness, everything has been arranged. Consort Wan has gone to Yu Cui Palace disguised as Wen Chan, and the real Wen Chan has been sent out of the palace. The informant in Yu Cui Palace has also placed cartilage in Consort Wen's jade pillow. It should not be long before Consort Wen falls ill. At that time, the palace servants of Yu Cui Palace will report to His Majesty immediately."

Everything was proceeding in an orderly manner, according to Li Qingchen's plan, but Yuan Que could not see any joy on his master's face.

"Young Prince, is there any other problem?"

“It has nothing to do with this matter.” Li Qingchen relaxed his brow, leaving a faint red mark, revealing a touch of gentleness in his usually shrewd and sharp eyes.

It seems to be telling the world that he is also a mortal who is troubled by the seven emotions and six desires.

Yuan Que asked, almost as if possessed, "Is there something wrong with Miss Wei?"

Li Qingchen suddenly lifted his eyelids to look at him, "Why do you ask that?"

Yuan Que frowned, unsure whether he should speak or not, but finally lowered his head and answered honestly: "I have noticed that Your Highness seems to take Miss Wei's affairs to heart every time you encounter them."

“You should know that she saved my life when I was shot by an arrow last time,” Li Qingchen said with a serious expression.

"But...but I discovered before that—"

"Alright! It seems I haven't given you enough to tell you, which is why you've developed such a long-winded mouth! In that case, go and arrange for someone to make a trip to Wu County to investigate a matter from twelve years ago."

Interrupted by Li Qingchen, Yuan Que dared not continue the previous topic and asked in confusion, "What happened twelve years ago?"

"Twelve years ago, the Wei family's old residence in Wu County dismissed all its servants overnight. Whether you send someone to inquire at the brokerage firm or ask the old neighbors, I want you to find out where these people are now within a month."

Yuan Chou: "..."

It all comes down to what happened with Miss Wei!

Yuan Que became even more certain of his previous doubts; the young prince was indeed different from before.