Chapter 193 Husband and Wife in Harmony
Pei Siyan's voice was indifferent, and his cold, fierce eyes exuded a terrifying aura.
Commander Chen of the Imperial City Guard was startled. He bowed his head respectfully and remained silent throughout, not daring to utter a sound.
Shen Yanzhou lowered his eyes and replied, "To falsely accuse the Crown Prince is a crime deserving of death. However, since it involves matters of the royal family, we must ask His Majesty for a judgment. We hope the Crown Prince will be lenient."
Pei Siyan remained calm and composed, speaking in a nonchalant tone, "Fine, you may go and search thoroughly. If I intended to harm my fifth brother, why would I be so foolish as to hide him in the Eastern Palace? Instead of searching in the Eastern Palace, you might as well ask the Imperial Preceptor. He has boundless magical powers and may be able to divine the truth."
Shen Yanzhou's expression hardened, and he cupped his hands to Pei Siyan, "Your Highness, please forgive me."
After he finished speaking, he raised his hand, and the Imperial City Guards filed out, conducted a cursory search of the Chaohua Palace, and then withdrew.
A moment later, Shen Yanzhou suddenly stopped and stood under the red walls and yellow tiles of the roof. His deep eyes looked back at Chaohua Hall, and a cold glint flashed in his clear eyes.
Commander Chen looked at Shen Yanzhou, hesitated, and said, "Lord Shen, in other places, should we just have the brothers go through the motions?"
This is the Crown Prince's Palace; they dare not act rashly.
The incident at the detached palace was shocking. It is said that Commander Han of the Imperial Guards offended His Highness the Crown Prince, and blood was drawn on the spot, resulting in the death of a nanny. Commander Han was later dismissed from his post.
Meng Jingchuan, the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Justice, visited the Eastern Palace and was severely demoted...
He didn't want to follow in their footsteps.
Commander Chen continued to persuade him, "If the Crown Prince truly harbors ulterior motives, he certainly wouldn't leave people in the Eastern Palace, only to create more ammunition for his attack."
Shen Yanzhou pondered. This matter was most likely orchestrated by Pei Siyan, but Commander Chen's words also made sense. However, as the saying goes, the most dangerous place is the safest place. The Crown Prince is cunning, and since he came to the Eastern Palace on the Emperor's orders...
Offending him is inevitable!
If he were to kill Prince Rui directly, everyone would suspect Pei Siyan, just like Emperor Muzong, who was plagued by controversy throughout his life. Therefore, he would not kill Prince Rui easily.
If he were the crown prince, where would he hide the person?
Shen Yanzhou remained calm and ordered in a deep voice, "It's alright. Search carefully and don't overlook any corner. I will take full responsibility for what happened today. The Crown Prince will not hold you accountable."
Commander Chen's brows relaxed, and he nodded.
The Imperial City Guards split into several teams and moved swiftly, engulfing the vast palace. Sure enough, in less than the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, they all returned empty-handed.
"...Reporting, sir, no."
"Have you finished searching?"
"Only the Crown Princess's residence remains; the Wutong Garden has not yet been searched... After all, that place is where women stay, and none of the brothers dare to offend it."
"Where is the Crown Prince?"
He is also at Wutong Garden.
Shen Yanzhou frowned slightly and led the people toward Wutong Garden.
——
After Dou Wenyi had bathed and changed, and had just finished breakfast, Pei Siyan lifted the curtain and strode in. He went straight to her side, wrapped his arms around her slender waist, and whispered in her ear, "The green plum trees in the plum grove are in full bloom. Do you want to go see them?"
"Green plum?"
Pei Siyan smiled and said, "Yes, this place is not as good as Qionglin Garden, but it is full of vitality."
"Have the Imperial City Guards left?"
"They might want to come and see your Wutong Garden too."
Dou Wenyi understood; he was afraid those people would offend her, so he deliberately took her out to admire the plum blossoms.
"good."
"It's cold outside." Pei Siyan took a bright red silver fox fur cloak trimmed with mink fur from Cuizhi and put it on her, then took her hand and walked outside.
The two held hands and moved into the plum grove, where a stream meandered, casting sparse shadows, the water was clear and shallow, and a faint fragrance wafted in the air.
"It really is beautiful, truly gorgeous," Dou Wenyi exclaimed.
"Want to pick a few branches to take back?" Pei Siyan held his hand tightly, his gaze seemingly passing over her and landing on the wooden bridge not far away.
Shen Yanzhou led his men across the wooden bridge ahead. He wore a crimson official robe, with broad shoulders and an official hat. His brows were cool and aloof, and he exuded an air of official authority.
As dawn broke, he walked briskly, exuding a spirited and energetic air.
Shen Yanzhou suddenly stopped, looked up and glanced in this direction, his hands clenched together, the veins on the back of his hands standing out.
So quickly, they've become a couple?
Commander Chen followed his gaze and looked over. "I never expected that the Crown Prince and Crown Princess would become such a loving and inseparable couple by accident. This 'marriage to bring good luck' really worked out. I'm afraid that Consort Sheng will have nowhere to stay after she enters the household!"
Shen Yanzhou's gaze was deep, and a sour feeling welled up in his heart. The word "husband and wife" especially reminded him not to lose his composure.
"There's no need to investigate Wutong Garden."
Commander Chen was quite taken aback. "Just now, didn't the lord say that we should search carefully?"
"The Crown Prince and Crown Princess came out specifically to let us investigate. Why do you think that is? It's because the Crown Prince is confident and has a sure thing, which is why he lets us search around like headless flies."
"oh?"
Just as Shen Yanzhou turned to leave, he heard Pei Siyan call out, "Lord Shen, wait!"
Dou Wenyi froze, instinctively trying to pull her hand away from Pei Siyan's, but Pei Siyan suddenly tightened his grip, refusing to let go.
Pei Siyan smiled meaningfully, "Lord Shen, have you checked Wutong Garden? Why did you leave?"
Shen Yanzhou walked over slowly and naturally saw him holding her hand tightly.
He remained composed, and smiled, "I appreciate the Crown Prince's kindness. Please forgive me for any offense I may have caused today!"
Pei Siyan remained unusually calm. "It's freezing cold outside. Why don't we go inside and have a cup of hot tea while they investigate? I promised to invite Lord Shen for drinks last time; I can't go back on my word!"
The atmosphere was eerie and subtle.
Dou Wenyi suddenly felt uneasy. What was Pei Siyan trying to do with this behavior?
"Lord Shen is busy with official duties, so let's not keep him occupied."
Shen Yanzhou's heart skipped a beat, but his face remained calm. "What the Crown Princess says is very true. This humble subject will take his leave now."
After saying that, he turned and left.
Shen Yanzhou suddenly spoke up, "Just now, who did the Crown Prince ask us to find?"
"He didn't say who he was looking for!" Commander Chen felt that this statement was completely nonsensical.
Shen Yanzhou frowned. "No, he mentioned the Imperial Advisor and told us to go see him for a reading!"
Commander Chen was very puzzled. "If that charlatan knew where Prince Rui was, he would have sent someone to rescue him long ago."
The Crown Prince wouldn't speak without reason, but he did mention the Imperial Advisor.
wrong!
Where does the Imperial Preceptor usually reside?
"Besides the alchemy hall specially built for the imperial city, there's also the Chaotian Temple!"
Shen Yanzhou's narrow eyes gleamed with sharpness as he coldly ordered, "Leave some men to keep an eye on the Eastern Palace. Immediately go to the Imperial Preceptor's alchemy room and the Chaotian Temple to search. Do not overlook any corner!"
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