Chapter 16: Seeking out the Third Prince to Inquire

Although spring is a high-incidence period for rashes, the rash on Nan Xiang was different. Furthermore, because there were mild toxins in her body, the rash had erupted with such rapid intensity.

Upon hearing this, Princess Changyang was startled. "You mean..."

Ye Qianning nodded, offering her a warning.

Having received confirmation, Princess Changyang was astonished that the child understood such things. Her daughter's illness had progressed so rapidly, yet she had failed to notice anything unusual.

If she hadn't read the notice... The more she thought about it, the more fear gripped her.

"Cui'er, go and tell Granny Zhang to investigate everyone who has entered or left the manor recently. Every person who came into contact with the Princess before the rash appeared must be screened one by one," Princess Changyang said, her eyes deepening.

Investigate. She had to find out exactly who was trying to harm her daughter.

"Yes, this servant will go at once."

Ye Qianning was accustomed to such schemes and deceptions; the smoke and fire of the modern business world were no less intense than those of ancient, deep-seated manors.

The person who had poisoned Nan Xiang to trigger the rash was definitely not simple. The hearts of people in these grand estates were truly unpredictable.

"Greetings, Princess." The butler arrived in a hurry.

Princess Changyang turned to look at him. "What did the yamen say? Was the jade pendant returned?"

The butler glanced at Ye Qianning before replying, "Prefect Song has arrived at the front hall. The Prince requests the Princess's presence there."

Princess Changyang had not expected the Prefect to visit in person. She stood up. "Pang Tuan, come. Follow me to the front hall to see."

Ye Qianning hopped down from her chair and ran to the Princess's side with quick steps.

The prestige of the Prince's manor certainly had its deterrent effect; the people had arrived.

In the front hall of the manor.

Prince Changyang sat in the seat of honor. Having already learned the cause of the matter, he held the jade pendant in his hand, his expression solemn.

"Your Highness, as this matter concerns the imperial bloodline, I had no choice but to have the jade pendant retrieved. Otherwise, if it were seen by those with ulterior motives and used to stir up trouble, it would be problematic." Prefect Song felt a bitterness in his heart; he had been suffering from insomnia for as many days as he had held the jade pendant.

"Indeed, the fewer people who know, the better. That old woman came from Nanyuan, and the child appears to be six years old." Prince Changyang could not help but recall his first meeting with Ye Qianning.

That child had looked at him with neither humility nor arrogance, her eyes clear and her temperament far from that of a child from the countryside.

The Third Prince had once traveled to Nanyuan with some children from noble families. Calculating the time, it seemed to be exactly seven years ago; the timeline matched.

"Confusing the imperial bloodline is a capital offense. However, if this is true, the child's identity is naturally noble. I could not decide how to handle it for a moment, so I did not dare to make a sound. Had Her Highness the Princess not sent someone to retrieve the jade pendant today, I would not have dared to mention this to Your Highness. I now leave the decision of how to proceed to you," Prefect Song said, taking the opportunity to pass off this hot potato.

Prince Changyang fell into deep thought, rubbing the jade pendant with his fingers. After a long pause, he said, "The Third Prince happens to be at the manor today. Why don't we find him and ask him?"

"..."

Prefect Song was stunned. Ask him directly?

"Attendants, go and invite the Third Prince," Prince Changyang commanded.

"Cough, cough..." Prefect Song choked on his own saliva.

"What is it?" Prince Changyang's eyes turned toward him.

"I fear that asking him directly might not be appropriate..."

"What is inappropriate about it? I believe confirming it face-to-face is the best way."

Prefect Song had his reservations, but he could no longer argue.

At that moment, Princess Changyang arrived at the front hall leading Ye Qianning.

"Greetings, Princess," Prefect Song bowed.

Princess Changyang smiled slightly and walked to Prince Changyang's side. "There is no need for such formality, Prefect Song."

From the moment she stepped into the hall, Ye Qianning sensed the Prince's gaze. His eyes were filled with intense scrutiny; it seemed the Prince had already learned about the jade pendant.

(End of Chapter)