Chu Qianli remained silent for a long time.
Yu Xing waited, anticipating her thoughts on the matter.
Although Yu Xing herself didn't know what she was waiting for.
After all, the Prince was well now, and seemed to have no problems at all.
Yet, something still felt not quite right.
But she couldn't pinpoint what was wrong.
After an unknown amount of time, still unable to get a reaction from Chu Qianli, Yu Xing couldn't help but ask, "Princess, what do you… think?"
"Think what?" Chu Qianli's scattered thoughts were pulled back by her. She turned her head and glanced at her.
Yu Xing felt a hint of disappointment. "I thought the Princess would have something to say."
"What can I say? I was merely inquiring, but ultimately, it's someone else's business, and I shouldn't comment."
"Someone else?" A sense of desolation inexplicably swept through Yu Xing's heart.
Chu Qianli smiled faintly. "Naturally, someone else. The Prince and I have long been estranged."
"...Oh." Yu Xing lowered her eyes and sighed softly.
Long estranged.
Was that really true?
Then why was she asking about the Prince's affairs? Yu Xing had thought there was still a chance for them.
Had she been overthinking it after all?
"Princess…"
"It's getting late. You should go back and rest. Everyone will be busy tomorrow morning. If you have spare hands, please come and help."
Chu Qianli waved her hand. "I need to sleep too."
Yu Xing was still disappointed, though she knew she shouldn't be.
Truth be told, her own Prince was more heartless, already having another woman by his side.
Chu Qianli, on the other hand, was the type who would rather break than bend, and by any measure, she wouldn't be able to serve the Prince alongside another woman.
Perhaps, it was truly fate…
"Then, I'll be going. Princess, please rest early."
"Go on."
After Yu Xing left, Chu Qianli did not rest. Instead, she went to find Xi Jiu.
Xi Jiu was just changing into his clothes, preparing to rest.
He had been busy all day, only now finding time to return to bathe and change.
"Princess, is something the matter?"
"Have Eleven go and gather some information for me."
"What information?" Xi Jiu quickly put on his clothes and emerged from inside.
Chu Qianli stood not far from the door, seemingly not intending for a long conversation.
Xi Jiu took a few steps closer and lowered his voice. "Princess, speak your mind."
"Have him immediately inform our brothers in Beiming to thoroughly investigate the ambush incident that Feng Yexuan encountered before leaving Beiming Imperial City."
"Prince Xuan was ambushed?" Their people had received no news of this.
"If the commotion was significant, Eleven's people couldn't possibly be unaware." Xi Jiu didn't understand.
"That's why I find it strange. Moreover, those attackers were supposed to target Hua Rong."
However, whether it was Hua Rong or Feng Yexuan, being able to poison Prince Xuan was no simple matter.
Why was there no stir in the Imperial City, not even a whisper?
Xi Jiu frowned. "Princess, you suspect something is amiss with that ambush?"
"I can't quite articulate it, but it's possible someone arranged it intentionally."
She looked at Xi Jiu, her face devoid of any smile.
Even Xi Jiu could sense that Chu Qianli's mood was heavy at that moment.
"Is something wrong with Prince Xuan?"
"When he was unconscious tonight, I took his pulse and examined him."
Chu Qianli let out a long sigh before saying, "He has a Gu worm in his body."