Chapter 25 – She’s Actually Growing Vegetables in the Cold Palace

Zhong Zihan respectfully saluted Xiao Che, then said:

“As expected of Your Highness, those assassins were indeed members of the Shadow Pavilion.”

Ever since the assassination attempt at Lengfeng Pavilion, Xiao Che had noticed that all the assassins bore a unique tattoo—a pattern resembling a willow leaf.

However, at that time, he hadn’t been entirely certain.

But just yesterday, during the hunting grounds event, both he and Zhong Zihan noticed that the techniques used by the black-clad men were identical to those of the assassins from that night.

And the same willow leaf tattoos were on their arms.

Xiao Che had immediately instructed Zhong Zihan to investigate those distinctive traits and trace the origin of the black-clad men.

Then last night…

Just as Xiao Che was preparing to rest, he received a flying dart with a secret message: All disciples of the Shadow Pavilion bear a willow leaf tattoo on their arm.

Although Xiao Che had no idea who sent the message, he saw no harm in verifying it.

And sure enough—

Zhong Zihan’s findings matched what the flying dart message said.

Xiao Che picked up the dart from the table and handed it to Zhong Zihan. “Find out who sent this.”

Even if the information was correct, the fact that someone deliberately passed it to him made Xiao Che wary—it felt like someone was trying to use him to eliminate the Shadow Pavilion.

He could destroy the Shadow Pavilion—but first, he needed to know who was pulling the strings!

Zhong Zihan acknowledged the order and was about to leave when Xiao Che suddenly stopped him again.

“Wait.”

“Also investigate who the Shadow Pavilion is working for.”

If the Shadow Pavilion dared to target him repeatedly, then whoever was behind them was no ordinary figure.

A dark glint flickered in Xiao Che’s eyes.

He vaguely had a guess about the person behind the Shadow Pavilion.

…

As night gradually fell, palace maids delivered dinner to Xiao Che’s residence.

A total of 26 dishes, well-balanced with meat and vegetables.

Just as Xiao Che was about to start his meal, Eunuch Lin entered.

“Your Highness.” Eunuch Lin bowed respectfully.

Xiao Che didn’t speak, simply motioned for him to speak his mind.

Eunuch Lin said, “Your Highness, today Ning Liangdi from Ziyu Pavilion went to Lengfeng Pavilion.”

Eunuch Lin’s information network was highly reliable and fast.

Xiao Che paused slightly.

He hadn’t expected that any consort would still visit Lengfeng Pavilion.

He tried to recall who exactly Ning Liangdi was, and finally managed to picture a vague impression of her.

“What did she go there for?”

Eunuch Lin replied, “I heard she went to help the Crown Princess pull weeds.”

“…Pull weeds?”

Xiao Che was stunned.

Had Ning Liangdi eaten something strange? She actually went to Lengfeng Pavilion to help Shu Ruohua pull weeds?

But then—

Something suddenly clicked in Xiao Che’s mind.

A few days ago, Shu Ruohua had asked him for vegetable seeds.

At the time, he hadn’t thought much of it—just figured she wanted them, so he gave them to her.

But now he realized—

Shu Ruohua was planting vegetables in the Cold Palace!

He frowned.

As the son of the Emperor, Xiao Che had grown up in the palace and seen many things.

Every year, at least one or more consorts would be banished to the Cold Palace.

Their fates were always tragic—either driven mad, or they ended their own lives.

But someone like Shu Ruohua, who was actually contentedly growing vegetables in the Cold Palace?

That, he had never seen before.

A wry smile curled on his lips.

Eunuch Lin was puzzled when he saw Xiao Che’s reaction.

“Your Highness? Your Highness…” He called out cautiously a few times.

Only then did Xiao Che restrain his amusement.

Then he continued to ask, “And then?”

For Shu Ruohua to get Ning Liangdi to help her weed, she must have some skills.

Still, he figured Ning Liangdi must’ve had a rough time today.

Eunuch Lin replied, “It’s said that Ning Liangdi’s face got sunburned.”

The summer sun was intense and scorching.

Ning Liangdi had delicate, fair skin—just imagining it, he knew she must’ve gotten badly burned.

Eunuch Lin, while speaking, even felt a twinge of sympathy for her.

But Xiao Che’s thoughts were not on Ning Liangdi.

He asked, “Was the Crown Princess sunburned?”

Eunuch Lin didn’t immediately follow the shift in topic.

He thought for a moment. Today, the guards at Lengfeng Pavilion hadn’t reported anything unusual about Shu Ruohua.

Since they hadn’t mentioned it, she was probably fine.

“I think… not…”

Xiao Che’s expression darkened visibly at this vague response.

…
(End of Chapter)