Jin Linlin and Cao Jiao knelt on the ground with other ladies from outside the imperial court and pretended to cry, but their minds had already flown away and they were not paying any attention to the funeral.
They knelt for three hours that night, and it was almost dawn when they left the palace. Jin Linlin and Cao Jiao's legs were numb and they could hardly stand up.
With the help of the palace maids, they stood up with difficulty and moved step by step out of the palace.
As soon as he reached the palace gate, he saw Su Cifu and a group of officials rushing in. When Su Cifu saw them, he said in a gloomy tone:
"You two ladies have worked hard at keeping vigil. The Queen has passed away. During this period of national mourning, you must observe the proper etiquette." Jin Linlin suppressed her anger and bowed.
"Don't worry, Lord Su, we will abide by our duties." Su Ci Fu snorted coldly and went into the palace.
Cao Jiao was so angry that her face turned pale. "It's not like we killed Su Cifu's wife, so why are you harassing us? This is outrageous."
Jin Linlin consoled him, "Don't pay any attention to him. It's useless to say anything to someone who's stuck in a rut."
Back at the house, before I had time to catch my breath, the housekeeper came to report:
"Madam, Master Jin Ke sent someone to say that he saw the Crown Prince of Dong Jinguo last night. He was tied up and taken to Duke Mu's mansion."
Jin Linlin's heart sank. Hadn't they said the Imperial Preceptor and the Crown Prince were on their way back to the capital? Why were they in the capital again? And were they even connected to Duke Mu's mansion?
Jin Linlin frowned, and after a moment's thought, she said, "This is a strange matter. First, calm the person who brought the news. I want to personally inquire about the details."
The housekeeper took the order and left. Cao Jiao said worriedly, "The Duke Mu's Mansion has always been at odds with our family. Now that the Crown Prince has appeared in their mansion, I'm afraid something will happen."
Jin Linlin said in a deep voice, "No matter what, let's first find out the truth. Why did this prince appear in the capital, and why was he kidnapped and taken to Duke Mu's mansion? There must be something hidden."
Soon, the messenger was brought before Jin Linlin. Jin Linlin inquired carefully and learned that Young Master Jin Ke had only happened to glimpse the Crown Prince being escorted into Duke Mu's mansion by a group of men in black from a street corner and hadn't seen any other details.
Jin Linlin rewarded the man with some silver and told him not to spread the news when he returned.
The second young master of Duke Mu's mansion died from a love poison during Dong Jinguo's rebellion. The eldest young master, Mu Tiankui, and Jiang Zhixu were the chief and deputy commanders of the Embroidered Uniform Guard.
Last time, Your Majesty promoted Jiang Zhixu to the rank of General of the Eastern Expedition, while Mu Tiankui was still the rank of commander-in-chief, which led to their enmity. His wife has been slandering the Duke of Zhenguo's Mansion outside.
Why did they hide the prince of Dong Jinguo in the palace? Why didn't they take him to the Dali Temple or the palace?
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