"But as you say, in this imperial court, everyone appears innocent, yet someone must bear responsibility!"
Bei Cheng spoke, "If you want to investigate him, I can help you keep an eye on his movements, but Bai Xi has been in the imperial palace all along. Under normal circumstances, he shouldn't leave the palace!"
"That won't be necessary, I'll investigate myself!" Lu Fan's eyes were serious. Now that he had a target, he wouldn't be idle. Moreover, with the Dragon Seal in hand, there was no place in the entire imperial capital he couldn't go.
Bei Cheng nodded, not wanting to stop him. Now that Lu Fan had taken on the responsibility of investigation, he could only cooperate to find the culprit as soon as possible. As long as the culprit remained unfound, the Heavenly Court Dynasty would be under threat.
For the next few days, Lu Fan kept a close watch on Bai Xi's movements, but Bai Xi remained within the imperial palace without any rash actions, leaving Lu Fan somewhat helpless.
In the dead of night, Lu Fan, hidden within the palace walls, saw a figure move with extraordinary grace. In the blink of an eye, he left the imperial palace and headed outwards.
Lu Fan quickly used a secret technique to conceal his presence. It seemed his guess was correct; Bai Xi was indeed not simple, and his strength was considerable. He was clearly not a fool.
After leaving the imperial palace, Bai Xi, wearing a mask, went to a pleasure house in the capital. As soon as he entered, the madam of the house came out, "Young Master Hua, you've finally arrived! Why haven't you been here these past few days? Our girls have been missing you like crazy!"
"You do know how to talk!"
Bai Xi, wearing his mask, smiled and threw spirit stones to the madam, "As usual, a pot of tea and a plate of peanuts. I'm here to listen to the opera!"
"I'll arrange it right away, I won't disappoint Young Master Hua!"
The madam quickly nodded, not daring to delay. Her expression was solemn. The Young Master Hua before her was a major patron, frequently visiting to watch performances and being generous with his spending, which was why the madam was so familiar.
Lu Fan observed this scene with a peculiar feeling. He hadn't expected the Fourth Prince to feign foolishness during the day and then indulge in pleasure at night. He certainly knew how to enjoy himself.
Not long after, the opera officially began. Bai Xi watched with great interest, sitting to the side, enjoying peanuts, and appearing quite content.
"I see you've been following me, it must be tiring. Would you like to sit down and eat for a while?"
Bai Xi said, "The tea here is good, it shouldn't disappoint you."
Seeing that he had been exposed, Lu Fan no longer hid. He walked directly to Bai Xi and smiled, "I never imagined that the Fourth Prince, Bai Xi by day, would transform into Young Master Hua by night, and be such a regular at the Hundred Flowers Pavilion!"
"It's unavoidable. Struggling within the imperial family, one can only compromise. To preserve my life, it's a necessary hardship," Bai Xi sighed, showing a wry smile. "However, you've been monitoring me these past few days. Are you suspecting me of colluding with the Hell Dynasty?"
"Precisely. A dignified prince acting like a fool, how can one not be suspicious!"
Lu Fan nodded, speaking without reservation.
Bai Xi burst into laughter, "This imperial family quagmire is not so easy to navigate. As a prince, I have little interest in courtly struggles. I can only feign foolishness from a young age to achieve such carefree enjoyment. As for the Hell Dynasty you mentioned, I have no connection to them!"
"How can I believe you when you say that?" Lu Fan shrugged. "After all, this matter involves significant implications."
"Since you believe I am the culprit, then arrest me and bring me before my father!" Bai Xi's words were direct and unreserved.
Lu Fan was slightly taken aback. He had never heard such an outrageous request. However, Bai Xi's statement was understandable, as Lu Fan's words had clearly provoked him.
"If you don't want to do that, then don't suspect me!" Bai Xi shrugged. "I can tell you clearly, I am not the culprit, nor could I possibly be!"
"Since Prince Bai Xi says so, it would be inappropriate for me to say more!"
Lu Fan shrugged. "However, this matter has far-reaching consequences. I hope Prince Bai Xi will not take it too personally. Once I find the person behind it, I will surely provide an explanation to the Heavenly Court Dynasty!"
"That's your business, it has nothing to do with me!"
Bai Xi shrugged. "I heard you also possess the Dragon Seal!"
"It seems Prince Bai Xi is still interested in the struggle for imperial power!"
Lu Fan's eyes gleamed with insight. Bai Xi's remark was enough to indicate that he had a grasp of some of the court's movements.
"I am merely trying to survive, so don't overthink it!" Bai Xi shrugged. "However, you are truly favored by my father to obtain the Dragon Seal. It is a great bestowal, even granting immense authority!"
"I am well aware of that!"
Lu Fan nodded. "The Dragon Seal represents supreme authority, but it also signifies great responsibility."
"In fact, it's not difficult for you to find the real culprit. You only need to find traces of demonic energy to detect their movements at any time!" Bai Xi chuckled lightly. "I heard that at the Grand Tutor's mansion, there is a treasure that can detect demonic energy, even faint traces!"
"Thank you for the reminder, Fourth Prince!"
Lu Fan smiled and quickly clasped his hands. He hadn't expected Bai Xi to know so much, which caught him off guard.
After leaving the Hundred Flowers Pavilion, Lu Fan went directly to the Grand Tutor's mansion. With such a treasure, he would undoubtedly be even more formidable.
Meanwhile, Bai Xi transformed back into Young Master Hua and listened to the opera at the Hundred Flowers Pavilion, appearing utterly relaxed and unrestrained.
Lu Fan arrived outside the Grand Tutor's mansion but was stopped by several guards. "Who is this brat, daring to trespass into the Grand Tutor's mansion? Get out of the way!"
"I am the King of the Northwest, I have some matters to discuss with Grand Tutor Wen!" Lu Fan stated.
"You? You're the King of the Northwest?"
The guards looked disdainful. "If you're the King of the Northwest, then we're the Prime Minister!"
With these words, the guards burst into laughter, completely disregarding Lu Fan.
Lu Fan frowned, feeling increasingly displeased. Being mocked by mere guards was something he could not tolerate.
Just as he was about to take action, an old man emerged from the gate and clasped his hands towards Lu Fan, "So it is Lord King of the Northwest. May I ask what brings you to my Grand Tutor's mansion?"
The guards immediately fell silent, having not expected Lu Fan to actually be the King of the Northwest.