Back at the Eastern Palace, Xiao Chengjing's anger did not subside; instead, it burned even more fiercely in the silence. He smashed the teacup beside him, shards flying everywhere.
"Find her!" He said to the kneeling head of the guards, his voice icy cold. "Use all available resources to investigate! Find out everything about her second brother, Shen Wenbai, recently—who he's been in contact with, and what money he's spent!"
"Search every wharf, inn, and carriage shop in Jiangnan, especially Suzhou Prefecture and the surrounding towns, inch by inch! Also, keep a close eye on every member of the Shen family remaining in the capital, especially her eldest brother, Shen Wenqing, the Vice Minister of Justice! Report any unusual activity to me immediately!"
"Yes! Your subordinate obeys!" The leader of the secret guards accepted the order and retreated silently like a shadow.
The Crown Prince's spy network, like a sophisticated machine, instantly sprang into action at high speed.
The vital waterways and land routes connecting the capital to Jiangnan were swarming with unseen eyes. Every trace of Shen Wenbai's departure from the capital was meticulously examined, and the Shen family's businesses in Jiangnan were highlighted. Countless secret reports flew to the Eastern Palace like snowflakes.
Meanwhile, the passenger ship carrying Shen Yuewei finally arrived in Suzhou Prefecture. Thanks to the meticulous arrangements made by her second brother's confidant, she did not disembark at the bustling dock, but instead quietly disembarked at a relatively secluded private pier.
An unassuming blue-curtained carriage had been waiting for a long time, taking her to a secluded but heavily guarded villa deep in the water town.
This villa was secretly purchased by Shen Wenbai many years ago, and even his father might not know of its existence. Shen Wenbai did not let her live in the courtyard that his mother had arranged in advance, as it would be too obvious and might be discovered by someone with ulterior motives.
The servants in the courtyard were all carefully selected and extremely discreet confidants. An experienced and kind-faced old midwife had already moved in. When she saw Shen Yuewei, her eyes showed only concern and composure, without the slightest surprise or inquiry.
Upon seeing the courtyard, Chun Tao couldn't help but exclaim in amazement, "Miss, the Second Young Master has made such thoughtful arrangements!"
Shen Yuewei smiled. Her second brother had always doted on her the most, and even after this incident, he had never questioned her. Shen Yuewei sighed.
"It's my fault that I've dragged my family down with me."
Stepping into the elegantly furnished yet reassuring room, Shen Yuewei finally relaxed, her nerves taut for days. She touched her still-flat stomach, her heart filled with mixed emotions. This was the haven her second brother had created for her, temporarily shielding her from the bloodshed and turmoil of the capital. Outside the window, a tranquil scene unfolded—a peaceful bridge over a flowing stream, white walls and black tiles—a stark contrast to the scheming palace banquet and the Crown Prince's cold, angry expression she remembered.
However, how long can this tranquility last?
The Crown Prince's anger will not be easily extinguished; his influence extends throughout the world.
Shen Yuewei knew that Jiangnan was not a paradise; it was also a battlefield where power and money intertwined. She had to use this brief respite to plan for the future. In addition to making arrangements, her second brother's letter also subtly mentioned several key industries in Jiangnan and a few old friends who could secretly help her—these were the assets she could rely on.
A few days later, a confidential report finally landed on Xiao Chengjing's desk. After thorough investigation, the clues pointed to Suzhou Prefecture. An informant reported seeing someone resembling Shen Wenbai's confidant in Suzhou City, frequently traveling between a large silk shop in the city (which was part of the Shen family's business) and a quiet town outside the city accessible by waterway.
Although Shen Yuewei's exact location has not yet been pinpointed, the area has been greatly narrowed down.
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