Chapter 108

“If anything were to happen to Xiao Xi today, I wouldn’t be able to live with myself,” the Empress said, her face filled with dread, tears flowing uncontrollably.

Seeing this, the Crown Prince quickly rose to wipe the Empress’s tears, his expression full of guilt and self-reproach.

“Mother, it’s all my fault. I wasn’t vigilant enough,” he said. “I had already arranged for Xiao Xi to have two close eunuchs, both skilled in martial arts, but I didn’t ask them to accompany him into the side hall when Xiao Xi went in.”

“From today onwards, under no circumstances can Xiao Xi be left alone.”

The Empress nodded heavily, suddenly remembering something and grabbing the Crown Prince’s hand.

“Zhan’er, let Xiao Xi learn martial arts secretly, just like you did.”

“Mother knows learning kung fu is hard, but if Xiao Xi can’t protect himself as soon as possible, I’ll be sleepless with worry!”

The Crown Prince sat back opposite the Empress, nodding in agreement.

However, he had other considerations.

“Mother, when I learned martial arts back then, it was out of necessity, but now I hope Xiao Xi can openly and properly learn from a reputable master.”

The Empress’s heart skipped a beat. “Zhan’er, are you suggesting…”

“Master Qiao.”

The Crown Prince spoke decisively, obviously having thought about it for a long time.

“Master Qiao is loyal and brave, someone I deeply admire. And the eldest and second sons of the Qiao family are talented and just, and the second son even saved Xiao Xi’s life.”

“If Xiao Xi could become Master Qiao’s student, it would be ideal.”

The Empress couldn’t help but show joy at the suggestion. “That’s truly a brilliant idea!”

The Crown Prince took the opportunity to pick up the hot tea on the table and offer it to the Empress.

Finally feeling some relief in her heart, the Empress took a sip of the tea.

The Crown Prince slightly relaxed seeing this, then continued, “This time, the Second Prince has completely exposed himself.”

Mentioning the Second Prince, the Empress’s expression darkened again.

This was Yikun Palace, there was no one else inside, and trusted aides were guarding outside, so the Empress dared to speak in a lowered voice.

“At least he didn’t go so far as to lose all sense of reason!”

The “he” was clearly understood.

“This time he’s truly angered. He intended for the Second Prince to go to Zongren Mansion.”

The Empress had been married to Emperor Yong for many years, and even though their hearts had drifted apart later on, she still understood the man she had once deeply loved.

“He’s infatuated with that woman, but at least he hasn’t forgotten his ambitions as an emperor.”

“He wanted to punish the Second Prince just now, but he was worried that I would take advantage and harm the Second Prince, so he turned to ask for my opinion.”

“He wanted to use me to punish the Second Prince and teach him a lesson, while also warning me not to have any unwarranted thoughts.”

“Heh, if the Second Prince can see clearly now and obediently follow orders, he might still continue to be pampered. But will the Second Prince comply? His ambition is already laid bare, and with the old attendants who served Concubine Yu in the past by his side, he must have been instilled with plenty of ambition and resentment.”

“Zhan’er, mark my words. He has always favored those who are obedient. Now that the Second Prince has shown his fangs, he should see the difference between the living and the dead!”

After speaking, the Empress placed the hot tea back on the table and looked up, only to see the Crown Prince smiling at her.

“Zhan’er, why are you smiling?” the Empress asked in confusion.

The Crown Prince’s eyes brightened, and he smiled. “It’s just been a long time since I’ve seen you like this, Mother. In my childhood memories, you were always so insightful and eloquent.”

The Empress was slightly taken aback by his words, but in an instant, she smiled too, her face filled with relief.

“Zhan’er, in the past, it was Mother’s mistake.”

“Mother was exhausted by what happened back then and tired of the days of deception. Mother thought that with your secure position and Xiao Xi’s lack of contention with others, you could all live peacefully.”

“Now it seems that Mother was too naive. There’s never a shortage of conflicts in this palace. If we don’t fight for our rights, we’ll only end up as fish on the chopping board!”

“Zhan’er, from today onwards, don’t hold any expectations for him anymore. Mother will stand up and shield you and Xiao Xi from the wind and rain!”

Upon hearing this, the Crown Prince couldn’t help but smile gently. He opened his mouth to speak, but seeing the Empress’s determined look, he swallowed back his words.

What he wanted to say was: Mother, I’ve grown up.

You protected me and Xiao Xi in the past. From now on, let me protect Xiao Xi and you!

“Mother, you were also frightened today. Have a good sleep with Xiao Xi. Today’s events are a bit suspicious. I need to figure it out.”

The Empress trusted the Crown Prince greatly and nodded gently.

“Alright, Zhan’er, take care of yourself.”

As the Crown Prince left Yikun Palace, the sky outside had already darkened.

He looked up at the palace lanterns swaying in the wind, his mind filled with countless thoughts.

Just now, when Xiao Xi returned drenched to Chonghua Palace and accused Consort Yu Zhao, he had secretly sent someone to capture the palace maid, Liu Lu, who was with Consort Yu Zhao.

This informant should be kept well. In the future, they might add some extra value.

However, there were still two things he couldn’t figure out.

Firstly, Miss Sheng from the Sheng family.

Consort Yu Zhao tied Miss Sheng to the rockery and forced the Second Prince to meet her. How did Miss Sheng disappear afterwards?

Secondly, he was truly grateful to the Second Son of the Qiao family for saving Xiao Xi’s life. But ordinary people wouldn’t set foot in Yuhua Lake. How did the Second Son of the Qiao family arrive in time to rescue Xiao Xi?

The Crown Prince was at a loss for a moment. After pondering for a while, he walked out in the direction of Chunhua Garden.

—

Chonghua Palace.

The Second Prince sat behind the desk with a dark expression and asked coldly, “You couldn’t find either of them?”

Liu Yun knelt on the ground, full of fear, and repeatedly said, “This servant is incompetent!”

The Second Prince slowly stood up, and the candlelight cast a warm glow on his extraordinarily handsome face, but it couldn’t hide the coldness between his eyebrows.

On the way back to Chonghua Palace, he had been pondering Emperor Yong’s thoughts. Only when he came back to his senses did he remember the palace maid who was not seen by Consort Yu Zhao just now.

When he met with Consort Yu Zhao in private, that palace maid was with her the whole time. And seeing Consort Yu Zhao’s intimate behavior with that palace maid, she probably knew everything!

Such a hidden danger must not be left behind!

When he returned to Chonghua Palace, he found that Sheng Xiuran hadn’t returned yet!

Now everyone thinks he and Sheng Xiuran are deeply in love, so she must be found.

Otherwise, the matter of Sheng Mingcheng accusing him a while ago might be dug up by someone with ulterior motives.

He dispatched palace servants to search openly and secretly for Sheng Xiuran and Liu Lu. But none of them were found!

Now that there were mistakes here and there, the Second Prince felt a hint of confusion and helplessness for the first time.

“I will depart for Zongren Mansion tonight to show my determination to repent. Liu Yun, you stay behind and continue searching.”

“If Sheng Xiuran is found, detain her in Chonghua Palace and don’t allow her to step out. No one is allowed to see her.”

“As for Liu Lu, execute her without mercy!”

Liu Yun bowed her head and kowtowed, respectfully acknowledging the order.

She really wanted to go to Zongren Mansion with His Highness.

But she knew clearly in her heart that while His Highness was absent from the palace this year, she still needed to pass on messages and continue her operations. She couldn’t act as she pleased.

Seeing Liu Yun obedient like this, the Second Prince’s brow slightly relaxed.

At this moment, Zhou Bo rushed in anxiously from outside the hall, his face pale.

“Your Highness, let this old servant accompany you!”