"That's what he thought at first, but after asking around, he realized that even if there weren't many strangers, there were still some who went there, visiting relatives or selling goods. Besides, he didn't stay there long, so he wouldn't have attracted too much attention." Wang Chenghai added, "So, he wondered if they were targeting Matron Hai's son instead of him."
Meng Qi thought about it and felt that this was possible. If someone really had set up a trap for Madam Hai and had invested so much money in it, how could they not let someone keep an eye on her son? Only when her son was controlled by others would Madam Hai continue to be used by them.
"Well, as long as he doesn't reveal his whereabouts, it's fine. Just do as I tell you. No one knows the situation in the inner house better than you do. It's really one thing after another, one thing after another. You must be extremely alert."
Watching the two leave, Meng Qi sat back on the kang, gently turning the teacup in her hand. She hadn't expected Matron Hai to be in such a state. She had originally wanted to investigate her simply to gain a thorough understanding of the backgrounds of those who could be of use in the palace, whether masters or servants. If she truly needed them, she would also know their weaknesses and how to act accordingly.
Especially with people like Madam Hai and Li Mancang. Li Mancang was fine; he stayed in the capital, making him easy to investigate. Madam Hai's husband passed away long ago, and she lived a respectable life in the mansion with her two sons and one daughter. There was no need to send her eldest son so far away. Even if he had the illness she'd described, finding a farm with better scenery would have been enough.
Therefore, Meng Qi went to investigate alone with the help of people from the outer courtyard without informing Song Chengze. Unexpectedly, this unintentional action brought such great gains.
Meng Qi rubbed his forehead. Who was it? Who was hiding in the shadows of the palace, quietly watching all this? Who had come into contact with Li Mancang, who had threatened Matron Hai?
It was not until the news of Xiaoman outside that Song Chengze had returned that Meng Qi realized that it had darkened. Through the window, she could see the red glow of the lanterns reflected on the window lattice.
Song Chengze entered the upper room and walked to the central hall. Looking at the dark east room, he took off his cloak and handed it to Yuanyue, asking, "Where is the princess?"
Yuan Dong came out from the west room and said, "The princess is in the room, and the servants are not allowed to disturb her."
Song Chengze paused as he was about to take a step. "But what's the matter?"
Yuan Dong thought for a moment and said, "In the evening, Wang Chenghai reported back to the princess about some of Jiang Wu's investigations. The princess is probably analyzing them further."
Yuan Dong thought that Song Chengze had arranged for Jiang Wu to be with the princess. Although he was supposedly working solely for the princess, he was still a close confidant of the prince. Jiang Wu might not share information like this with Chu Yong, but he would definitely tell the prince. It was just a matter of time and order. So, there was no need for her to lie.
Song Chengze nodded. Yuan Yue took a few quick steps and opened the door of the east room, saying softly, "Princess, the prince is back."
Meng Qi patted his slightly swollen face, stood up, watched the door being pushed open, and the light from the hall shone into the room.
Song Chengze walked in, "Why don't you light the lights? What's wrong with you?"
Yuandong and Yuanyue followed in and first lit the palace lanterns in the four corners of the room, and then lit the candles on the table.
Meng Qi smiled and stepped forward to salute, "Your Highness, are you ready for dinner?"
"Have you used it?" The question was asked to Meng Qi, but his face turned to Yuan Dong.
Yuan Dong said softly, "Not yet, it's ready in the small kitchen."
"Then eat first. No need to order more dishes. Just bring me whatever the princess wants."
Yuan Yue hurried to the small kitchen to make arrangements. Meng Qi took Yuan Dong's soaked handkerchief and handed it to Song Chengze, "Why hasn't the prince had dinner yet?"
Song Chengze took the handkerchief and wiped his hands while saying, "I discussed some things with Uncle Lu and them." Watching Yuan Dong put the handkerchief away and leave, Song Chengze continued, "Did Jiang Wu hear any bad news?"
Meng Qi was stunned for a moment, then smiled and said, "How did the prince know that it was bad news?"
"It's rare that you haven't lit the lamp at this time, and haven't even had your meal yet."
Meng Qi thought to herself, how would you know when I light the lamp or whether I need to eat?
"Yes, it's about Aunt Bai and Aunt Hai."
Song Chengze paused as he picked up his teacup. "Oh? But what did you find out? Madam Hai? When did you arrange for Jiang Wu to investigate her?"
Meng Qi smiled slightly. "Actually, I started investigating her before you sent Jiang Wu to me, but at that time I was only limited to matters in the capital."
"You mean you sent him out this time?" After Song Chengze learned that Chu Yong had assigned Jiang Wu to Meng Qi, he hadn't paid much attention to Jiang Wu's actions. Although Chu Yong would report to him about Jiang Wu's activities, he never asked much, but he still knew the general idea of what he was doing. It was just that he had so much news coming back from the west that he didn't pay much attention to what Jiang Wu was doing.
"Yes, let's eat first, and then I'll tell you everything later."
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