Chapter 486 Who is the Prey?
Half a month passed in the blink of an eye.
Chu Yanluo's case has been forgotten. In such a large city as the capital, no one will remember the death of a woman for long.
Lu Qiying had already sent someone to inform Shen Wantang that he knew who the murderer was, but he had been ordered by his superiors not to investigate any further.
Shen Wantang sighed slightly. Gu Qianhan was right. Xiao Qingyuan could kill without any punishment. His background determined that he had privileges that ordinary people could not reach.
Today is Buddha's Birthday, and the riverbanks and temples of all sizes in Beijing are bustling with activity.
"Qin Xin, has the young master gone out yet?"
"Your Highness, the Prince went out a long time ago. He secretly went to the Liu family again. Madam Liu took the women of the Liu family to Fazhen Temple today. All the young ladies, regardless of whether they were born of the principal wife or a concubine, went together. She only left Miss Liu behind. Miss Liu is crying at home! Our Prince is heartbroken. That's why he took Miss Liu out himself."
"Besides the two of them, was Xiao Qingxi also with them?"
Qin Xin was somewhat surprised: "How did you know about our young lady?"
Shen Wantang smiled faintly, naturally because she had planned a lot these past few days, and things had finally gone as she had envisioned.
"The young lady was indeed summoned by the young master. Otherwise, it would be easy for people to gossip about just the two of them, although there are already quite a few people gossiping about them."
Qin Xin said, her eyes filled with doubt: "It's strange that Miss actually went out with them. Miss Liu's reputation is terrible now, and no one wants to get close to her. With such a proud personality, how come Miss doesn't mind?"
Shen Wantang said casually, "It's not surprising. She went out with them for another purpose."
"What is the purpose?"
"I made an appointment with Lin Rouxin today to go to the riverbank to break off willow branches and pray for blessings."
"Is her target Miss Lin? Does she intend to kill her?"
"They probably wanted to ruin Lin Rouxin's reputation, or perhaps they wanted to let Huo Yunzhou see Lin Rouxin's true colors."
Qin Xin shook her head: "I think that Miss Lin is definitely not as cunning as the eldest young lady, so she probably won't succeed. However, she is always arrogant, so you must be careful when you go out with Miss Lin, so as not to get caught in the crossfire."
Shen Wantang laughed: "I didn't invite A Ning this time, but I did invite Lin Rouxin. Isn't that because I wanted to be an innocent bystander caught in the crossfire?"
Qin Xin was stunned: "Huh?"
"Alright, let's get ready and head out. The weather's so nice and it's so lively outside; it would be a waste to stay home any longer."
"yes!"
A moment later, Shen Wantang left the palace with her maid. After meeting Lin Rouxin at the agreed place, they took a carriage to the riverbank together.
Many people dip willow branches in river water and sprinkle it all over their bodies, intending to wash away dust, cure illnesses, and ward off disasters.
Some adults bring their children to release fish and shrimp into the river, doing good deeds and accumulating blessings in the process.
Shen Wantang also instructed her maid to break off some willow branches, wet them, and tuck them into her hair. After all, she was out praying for blessings, so she had to do it properly.
Lin Rouxin also picked a willow branch and had the nanny help her put it in her hair.
Amidst the fragrance of clothes and the swaying of willows, a gentle breeze carried Lin Rouxin's tender voice: "Is the Crown Princess sure they'll come here? What if they go somewhere else? Will there still be any drama to watch today?"
Shen Wantang brushed aside the soft willow branches drooping in front of her and walked forward unhurriedly, her voice filled with certainty: "Miss Lin, don't worry, they will come."
"Did the Crown Princess already know their whereabouts and follow them on purpose?"
"No, I don't know their whereabouts, nor do I need to. I chose this place long ago. No matter where we are, they will follow us."
"Really? I'm really worried they won't be able to find us!"
“They have many informants and will find us soon. They are even more anxious than we are. After all, if you and I are dealt with, they will have no more worries. Today is the best opportunity to kill two birds with one stone. We don’t want to miss it, and they don’t want to miss it either.”
Lin Rouxin nodded approvingly: "Your Highness is right. I really look forward to today's performance. I haven't been this happy in a long time. Thank you, Your Highness."
"Miss Lin, you're too kind. I was the one who asked you for help, so inviting you to watch a play is nothing."
As the two were talking, Qin Xin, who was behind her, suddenly whispered, "Princess Consort, they're here, right behind us."
A cold smile appeared on Shen Wantang's lips: "You've come quite quickly, it seems you really couldn't wait."
She didn't turn around, but Lin Rouxin did.
Not only did she turn around, she also took the initiative to provoke her: "Sister, what a coincidence to run into you here. Are you feeling better? I thought you were hurt by your miscarriage and wouldn't come out today. If I had known you were out, I would have come with you. It's more lively with more people!"
When Shen Wantang heard her gently poking at Xiao Qingxi's sore spot, she turned around and saw Xiao Qingxi's face darken instantly.
Behind Xiao Qingxi were Xiao Qingyuan and Liu Nanshi.
Liu Nanshi wore an inconspicuous plain-colored thin dress and a veil over her face, revealing only her eyes.
At this moment, the exposed eyes were coldly staring at Shen Wantang.
"You bastard, what are you saying with that sarcastic tone? You dare call me 'sister'?!"
Xiao Qingxi was as arrogant and domineering as ever: "Get the hell away from me! This place is mine!"
Lin Rouxin looked flustered: "I'm sorry, sister. I didn't mean to say the wrong thing and made you angry. I didn't mean to bring up your sad things. I was just concerned about your health."
Xiao Qingxi's face was full of disgust: "You deserve to die! It's clearly your fault that I miscarried, and you still dare to pretend to be a good person here! I originally thought of more than a dozen ways to torture you, each of which would make you wish you were dead, but now that I see you, I suddenly feel that those methods are not cruel enough!"
Lin Rouxin was on the verge of tears: "Sister, please don't do this, I'm scared."
Xiao Qingxi's patience was almost at its limit: "You smell like green tea, it's disgusting, I almost threw up! Only an idiot like Huo Yunzhou would fall for your act. If you dare to use this on me, I'll push you into the river and drown you! Now get out of here!"
Lin Rouxin was so frightened that she retreated repeatedly, looking as pitiful as a little white rabbit being targeted by a vicious wolf.
Seeing how superb her acting skills were, Shen Wantang felt it wouldn't be right to just watch the show without acting himself.
She stepped forward, looked at Xiao Qingyuan, and said with delight, "Did you come here specifically to see me, Your Highness? Are you here to celebrate Buddha's Birthday with me today? I knew it, Your Highness has feelings for me!"
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