Chapter 223: A Suspicious Person

Qi Min’s expression darkened. Even though she had forgotten everything, the fact that Su Wan was her daughter remained unchanged.

“How did the interrogation go?”

“She hasn’t confessed yet…” The Empress’s words were cut short as a female official hurried over, her face pale. “Your Majesty, the female doctor… she—she’s dead!”

The Empress’s face turned stern. She was about to ask questions when she heard movement inside the hall. She gave the female official a look, signaling her to remain silent.

A moment later, Su Wan emerged, fully dressed.

“Wanwan, why are you up?” The Empress forced a smile, handing her the jiacao in her hand. “This was sent by Master Mingjue.”

“Thank you.” Su Wan took the wooden box. Though her cloak had been swapped for a thick fur coat, she still felt cold, shivering down to her bones. “I’ll go check on Father.”

“Your father’s gu has been removed, but he still has some old ailments. He’s resting now,” Qi Min replied, meeting Su Wan’s meaningful gaze and pressing her lips together. “Shall I go with you?”

“No need. Your health is weak; don’t catch a chill. Go back and rest early.” Su Wan gestured to her own pale face, trying to lighten the mood. “I exhausted too much energy yesterday and haven’t recovered yet. If you fall ill, I’ll be out of options.”

These words only made the atmosphere even more peculiar.

Su Wan didn’t dwell on it, as the sharp, needle-like pain in her chest left her too drained to engage in conversation. “You two go ahead. I’ll check on Father and return shortly.”

Noticing Su Wan’s discomfort, Qi Min wanted to stay but ultimately followed Su Wan’s wishes and left with the Empress.

Supporting herself against the wall, Su Wan exhaled, suppressing the pain in her chest. She went next door to check on Ji Xuan, and upon confirming he was fine, she breathed a sigh of relief.

The pain became almost unbearable, so she lay down on the nearby chaise lounge, with cold sweat forming on her forehead. She took out a porcelain bottle from her sleeve, poured out a pill, swallowed it, and closed her eyes, waiting for the pain relief to take effect before leaving.

Steady footsteps approached, and Su Wan opened her eyes to see a tall eunuch entering, placing a half-basket of silver-thread charcoal in the hall.

Su Wan stared in surprise at his scarred, burned face. In the palace, anyone with a facial flaw or physical disability was generally not permitted to remain.

But this person’s entire face was burned, the scars grotesque and unrecognizable, making it even more unlikely for him to serve in front of others.

Sensing Su Wan’s direct gaze, he lowered his head even further, quickly placed the basket in the corner, bowed, and exited swiftly.

A palace maid entered just then to add charcoal to the brazier, noticing Su Wan staring intently at the door with a furrowed brow.

She quickly explained, “Young Lady Su, his name is Dechuan. Years ago, when the Empress was injured by an arrow and went missing, he was the one who found help and brought her back. He was apparently targeted in revenge, his face burned beyond recognition. Out of gratitude, the Empress placed him in the Department of Internal Affairs.

He rarely comes out, but with the upcoming ceremony to appoint the Crown Princess in two days, they’re short-handed. That’s why he came to deliver the charcoal; it’s not meant as any disrespect to you.”

Su Wan pondered this. The one who was struck by the arrow had been Qi Min, who was hunting under the identity of the Empress…

Curious, she asked, “Was he a guard before?”

The palace maid replied, “No, he was an attendant.”

A hint of doubt flashed in Su Wan’s eyes. Ordinary attendants usually weren’t allowed into the hunting grounds; they only served outside.

If Qi Min had been struck by an arrow, it must have happened within the hunting grounds, most likely deep in the mountains, away from the main group.

So, if he was just an attendant, how did he enter the hunting grounds unnoticed and manage to slip past others to rescue her?