Yuxian Tower.
Duan Mingxi sat by the window, facing Xiao Muchen, both of their faces showing signs of displeasure.
After a long pause, Mingxi spoke first: “So, this is how the case is going to be closed?”
“Sui Er and Linglan indeed had a grudge. After questioning Linglan, she admitted to bullying Sui Er on a regular basis,” Xiao Muchen replied.
He looked at Mingxi and continued, “Ding Zhao couldn’t find out who was behind Sui Er. After her death, it’s like a kite with a broken string.”
Mingxi looked at him and asked, “But there’s nothing about the people Sui Er interacted with?”
“Sui Er was constantly bullied by Linglan. Linglan had worked in the imperial kitchen for many years and had taken a steward as her godmother. Most people didn’t want to oppose Linglan, so they kept their distance from Sui Er,” Xiao Muchen explained.
Mingxi furrowed her brows slightly, “So, no one was close to her?”
“There was someone named Yuqing, who once spoke up for Sui Er when Linglan bullied her. But that was it. Ding Zhao questioned Yuqing, and she only said she helped Sui Er because she felt sorry for her. Sui Er, in return, gave her two pouches as gifts. That’s all,” Xiao Muchen added.
Mingxi sneered, “So Sui Er became a scapegoat, and the real culprit is left unscathed.”
“The person behind this made a good choice. Sui Er was a maid who worked in the kitchen, a meek, bullied figure, and no one paid attention to a fire maid,” Xiao Muchen stated.
Mingxi understood what he meant. It seemed Sui Er had already been selected as a pawn by someone, and all her surroundings and interactions were controlled, making her the perfect scapegoat.
Ding Zhao must have known there could be someone pulling the strings behind Sui Er?
Of course.
But with Sui Er’s death, the clues are severed.
Especially since Linglan’s confession wasn’t obtained, and Sui Er died of ‘suicide’ under pressure. How can we continue the investigation?
Mingxi looked at him, “Are you sure it was suicide?”
“Ding Zhao had the imperial doctor conduct an autopsy. It was confirmed that she died from poisoning. They even found some leftover poison wrapped in sugar pills in her pouch.”
She was poisoned, but Xiao Muchen didn’t confirm that it was definitely a suicide. This left the matter open to doubt, but Ding Zhao had not investigated further and closed the case.
Mingxi then asked, “So this is how it’s going to end? Is this the Emperor’s decision?”
Xiao Muchen remained silent.
Mingxi understood now.
The poisoning incident that occurred at the Kunde Palace banquet pointed directly at the Empress. She had previously tried to frame Mingxi for poisoning, but now the Emperor was forcing Ding Zhao to close the case under the guise of fairness, which was laughable.
Mingxi’s expression grew colder. No wonder the Empress and the Crown Prince acted so arrogantly—it was because they had the Emperor’s protection.
“If this case ends like this, then the assassination attempt on us that night will also be forgotten,” Mingxi glared at Xiao Muchen.
Xiao Muchen, sensing her anger, looked at her and said slowly, “So what? Just because Royal Father closed the case doesn’t mean I won’t continue investigating. One day, the truth will come out.”
“But the Emperor has already made his decision, which is a warning to others not to pursue the matter.”
“Xixi, I’ve told you I will give you justice, and I won’t go back on my word. Even if the case can’t have a fair result on the surface, the Empress and the Crown Prince will still have to pay the price.”
“What will you do?”
Xiao Muchen sneered, “Just watch.”
Mingxi didn’t ask further.
She would wait and see.
***
Ning Qin Wang’s Manor
Ning Qin Wangfei looked at her husband angrily, “Is this how it ends?”
Ning Qin Wang took her hand and tried to comfort her, “For now, we have no choice. The Emperor is protecting them, and we don’t have the evidence.”
“Yan Er suffered in vain?” Ning Qin Wangfei’s eyes reddened. “Do they think everyone is a fool?”
Hearing this, Ning Qin Wang immediately replied, “Be careful with your words.”
She covered her face with a handkerchief and began crying, “You’ve lived your life quietly and cautiously, never daring to make a mistake. Now our daughter almost lost her life, and we can’t even get justice.”
People always said the Emperor valued Ning Qin Wang highly, and that Ning Qin Wang’s manor was prosperous, but the suffering within was known only to them.
Ning Qin Wang listened to his wife’s words, his face darkening. He clenched his fists, suppressing his anger, and said, “At least our family is still alive and well. Isn’t that better than everything?”
The Emperor’s other competitive brothers didn’t fare so well.
Ning Qin Wangfei paused, feeling a chill in her heart. She gradually calmed down from her anger. The two looked at each other, momentarily silent.
After a while, she spoke, “You’re right. At least we’re still alive. But this matter can’t just end like this. Before, the Empress accused Duan Mingxi, but Mingxi saved Yan Er. How could she poison her? What would she gain from harming Yan Er? Now they’re blaming Sui Er, and Yan Er ends up as the scapegoat. In the end, it all comes down to Yan Er suffering in vain, doesn’t it?”
“What do you want to do?”
“I just want to ask Wangye one thing—did the Empress do this?”
“I can’t be sure.”
“How sure are you?”
Ning Qin Wang paused, looking at his wife, and said, “It doesn’t matter how sure I am. What matters is who the Emperor wants to protect now.”
Ning Qin Wangfei sneered, “I can’t do anything openly, but does that mean I can’t do anything secretly?”
“Don’t be impulsive!” Ning Qin Wang grasped her hand, “Trust me, I’ll get justice for our daughter.”
“Wangye, you worry too much. I just want to tell you, when it comes to matters of men, it’s naturally up to you. Whatever you say goes, I’ve never caused you trouble over the years.”
“But when it comes to matters between women, please don’t interfere this time. I know what to do. What should be done, I will do. What shouldn’t be done, I won’t even take a single step.”
“You…” Ning Qin Wang looked at his wife’s resolute expression, then sighed. “If you want to vent your anger, I won’t stop you, but you must be careful.”
“Naturally.”
“What do you plan to do?”
“I haven’t decided yet. Once I have a plan, I’ll inform Wangye,” Ning Qin Wangfei replied earnestly.
Ning Qin Wang fell silent. He knew his wife didn’t want to tell him, so he didn’t press further. He only left her with one sentence: “If things become unmanageable, don’t be afraid—I’ll be here.”
Hearing this, Ning Qin Wangfei’s eyes finally revealed a hint of a smile.
As soon as Ning Qin Wang left, Ning Qin Wangfei immediately summoned her eldest son, Xiao Lin, and gave him some instructions.
The next day, Xiao Lin and Xiao Muchen met at Fang Chengda’s.
Xiao Lin handed a slip of paper to Duan Wang and said coldly, “This is what I’ve found. Take a look, Wangye.”
Xiao Muchen took the paper, glanced at it, and found it was a roster from the Imperial Kitchen. Scanning it carefully, his gaze landed on the circled name, Yuqing.
