Chapter 51: The Assassination Reveals the Truth

Thinking about the matter of heavenly thunder just mentioned, Qin Xuan felt a vague sense of worry.

According to Huai Ze, Fang Yuean cannot reveal celestial secrets to ordinary people; otherwise, she would be struck by lightning, and the mortals involved would have their lifespans shortened.

But why was she able to reveal them when they first met?

Qin Xuan’s heart skipped a beat. Could it be that before her daughter arrived, she had already been struck by lightning a few times?

Then what about hearing thoughts?

An’an’s thoughts were full of celestial secrets, and she had heard quite a few of them.

Would An’an be harmed because of this?

For a moment, Qin Xuan’s mind was in turmoil, filled with anxiety and concern.

She suddenly recalled the incident where a Taoist from Yuhua Mountain was struck by lightning.

That time, the thunder descended shockingly, yet An’an was unharmed. She and her son had been hearing thoughts for so long, and neither of them had experienced any discomfort.

Did that mean hearing thoughts was allowed? Otherwise, why would she and her son be able to hear them?

The more Qin Xuan thought about it, the more she felt her speculation was reasonable.

That meant as long as An’an didn’t speak the secrets aloud, there would be no consequences.

Qin Xuan felt torn—should she tell Fang Yuean about the ability to hear thoughts to prevent her from accidentally speaking out in a moment of urgency?

Such a soft and delicate little child—how could she endure being struck by lightning?

But then, if her daughter knew, would she become afraid to think, growing overly cautious and paranoid?

After much deliberation, Qin Xuan chose a more subtle approach. She would find an opportunity to hint to her daughter that, at least in their presence, her thoughts could come true.

The streets were bustling with people, lively and noisy, with street vendors calling out to customers.

Qin Xuan first took Fang Yuean to buy sugar figurines, getting one for each of her daughters.

As the two girls ate obediently, she deliberately led Fang Xunli and Xu Wanyin to a furniture shop.

On the way, Fang Yuean licked her sugar figurine while looking around curiously, occasionally glancing back.

Fang Xunli and Xu Wanyin walked slightly behind them, maintaining some distance and chatting side by side.

The man was gentle and refined, while the woman was poised and graceful.

Fang Yuean turned back and secretly grinned: [Big Brother acts completely different when he sees Sister Xu.]

[His voice even sounds strangely soft.]

Fang Xunli’s smile stiffened. He looked up at Fang Yuean’s back, only to notice his mother’s shoulders trembling slightly.

He cleared his throat softly.

Fortunately, Wanyin couldn’t hear those thoughts.

On the way home, Fang Yuean and Er’er were dozing off in the servants’ arms.

Qin Xuan deliberately raised her voice and said to Nanny Lei, “Yesterday, I went to Zhiyi’s room and noticed that a jade pendant she had since childhood was missing—the one carved with a small deer.”

“Check the servants who cleaned that courtyard. If there are no clues, someone must have sold it. Post a missing item notice outside and put up more of them. I worry that Zhiyi might care about that pendant, and she’ll be sad if she doesn’t see it when she returns.”

Nanny Lei acknowledged the order.

Hearing the commotion, Fang Yuean’s eyes snapped open, suddenly more awake.

Once those notices were posted, Prince Qi would surely find out.

She grinned and looked at her mother.

Now she didn’t have to come up with a plan.

At some point, she had realized that many things seemed to unfold according to her wishes.

Situations where things she needed would fall into place had become common, requiring her to do almost nothing to get results.

Most of the time, she just ate, played, and slept—and she had gotten much chubbier.

But she really was very sleepy.

Her heavy eyelids drooped again.

Qin Xuan instructed the servants to take the two children back to Mingyue Residence, then returned to her courtyard with Nanny Lei.

On the way, she reiterated her instructions.

“I thought about it again—Zhiyi doesn’t have many belongings in her room, so the servants probably wouldn’t dare steal. Just ask about it casually.”

“But the jade pendant must be found. I’ve drawn its design; take it with you. When I give the word, have it posted everywhere and see who recognizes it.”

Upon entering Yunxiang Courtyard, Hong Xiang, who had remained in the residence, stepped forward to greet them.

Sensing that she had important news to report, Qin Xuan dismissed the other servants in the courtyard.

The three of them entered the room one after another.

After serving Qin Xuan tea and waiting for her to rest, Hong Xiang finally spoke.

“Madam, our informant in the second household reports that the marriage between Second Miss and Prince Qi may be revived. It is said that Imperial Consort Liang has relented, but the specifics are only known to the second household’s mistress.”

Qin Xuan’s lips curved slightly. “Imperial Consort Liang is not one to make concessions. This is likely a strategic retreat.”

The second household’s attempts to restore their reputation weren’t easily believed—not even by Imperial Consort Liang.

Qin Xuan’s expression darkened. “For her to use this tactic, it means she’s already intervened and is determined to prevent this marriage from happening.”

She looked at Hong Xiang. “Have our people continue monitoring them and report any updates immediately.”

She needed to see what Imperial Consort Liang would do before choosing the perfect moment to fan the flames.

Whether Prince Qi completely severed ties with Fang Zhenzhen or the engagement was reinstated,

Once Prince Qi saw the missing item notices, his fury would be ignited even further—perhaps enough to bring the second household to ruin, satisfying her long-held resentment.

Recalling Fang Yuean’s warning about danger, Qin Xuan analyzed the current situation and suspected that something would happen to Fang Zhiyi.

“Nanny Lei, send the people to fetch Zhiyi now—double the original number.”

On Fang Zhenzhen’s birthday—

Early in the morning, Prince Qi personally arrived to invite her to celebrate at the largest restaurant in the capital.

Fang Zhenzhen had woken up early to dress up, deliberately choosing a red outfit with lively, playful hair ornaments.

Inside the carriage, He Chengjin’s gaze frequently landed on Fang Zhenzhen. Unable to hold back, he asked,

“I haven’t seen you wear red since our first meeting. Why did you choose it today?”

Fang Zhenzhen countered, “Does Your Highness dislike it?”

“I like it very much.” He Chengjin kissed her forehead lightly.

Fang Zhenzhen lowered her gaze shyly, but her eyes were ice-cold.

That day, after finalizing the plan with her mother, she had secretly left the manor and spent a fortune hiring three assassins to disguise themselves as bandits and ambush Fang Zhiyi on her way back to the capital.

Originally, the East Courtyard hadn’t revealed this plan—her family had no idea about it.

But while she was out ordering her birthday dress, she happened to see the servants from Qin Xuan’s courtyard, buying the latest clothing styles and jewelry.

Watching enviously, she discreetly observed for a while, thinking they were for the twins. However, she soon realized that the sizes and designs were meant for a young woman.

She immediately guessed that it must be for Fang Zhiyi’s return.

Later, she also heard that Prince Qi was investigating the poetry gathering from back then, and she began to worry.

If Fang Zhiyi returned and Prince Qi questioned her about the gathering, revealing details that led him to a clue—

As long as Fang Zhiyi was dead, not only would that danger be eliminated, but the truth about saving Prince Qi would be buried forever.

Killing two birds with one stone.

He Chengjin released her and asked, “By the way, did you notice anything unusual at that poetry gathering?”

For the past few days, he had been reviewing the records of the Liang family’s previous investigations and discreetly questioning noblemen who had attended—but still found nothing.

Fang Zhenzhen’s heart clenched, but she shook her head. “I’ve told Your Highness many times—my sister was proud and often found me embarrassing, so we were rarely together.”

He Chengjin’s eyes softened with pity and stopped questioning her.

The world praised Fang Zhiyi as talented, gentle, and virtuous.

But he knew—she was envious, petty, and harsh.

He had never once looked at her properly.