"My lord, Wen Nuan is gone." Wen Yu knelt on the ground, filled with guilt.
Wen Yuxi frowned, "How could Wen Nuan be gone?" This was the imperial palace, with strict security. It was almost impossible to take Wen Nuan out.
Wen Yu shook his head, "Your subordinate doesn't know. It is my dereliction of duty. I beg my lord for punishment."
Wen Yuxi stepped forward and helped Wen Yu up. "Wen Nuan cannot see, cannot speak, and cannot write. Even if someone captures her, it will be of no use. Hurry and lead your men to pursue her."
Wen Yu nodded and retreated.
"Uncle Wen, what are you thinking about?"
A soft voice was heard. Wen Yuxi turned and saw the small figure. He stepped forward, bent down, and picked up the little one. "Little princess, why aren't you with His Majesty?"
Xue Xingyue smiled, "Because Mother is here too!"
Wen Yuxi was stunned. He looked up and saw the figure standing at the door. The moonlight fell upon her, casting a silvery glow.
Her eyes, as clear as spring water, rippled with a translucent depth.
"Your Majesty." Wen Yuxi lowered his eyes and said slowly.
"I heard Wen Nuan is missing?" Xue Zining walked in and took the little one from Wen Yuxi's arms. To his surprise, the little one refused.
Xue Zining was slightly taken aback. The little one hugged Wen Yuxi's neck proudly, beaming with self-satisfaction.
Xue Zining had to sit down. Seeing Wen Yuxi standing while holding the little one, he couldn't help but say, "Sit down!"
Wen Yuxi sat down and poured two cups of tea, one for Xue Zining and the other for the little one in his arms.
"No one saw how Wen Nuan was taken away. I have already ordered Wen Yu to lead men to pursue."
Xue Zining nodded, "If you need anything, just say the word."
She felt great sympathy for Wen Nuan's plight and had always tried to help her.
However, after experiencing those things, Wen Nuan had become taciturn. Although she could not speak and could not hear, in Xue Zining's heart, Wen Nuan should have been that alluring and resolute person.
Wen Yuxi said, "This subject thanks Your Majesty on behalf of Wen Nuan."
"Wen Yuxi, I was assassinated in Jiangnan."
Wen Yuxi was stunned. The Empress would not mention this without reason. He guessed it might have something to do with him and asked doubtfully, "Is it related to this subject?"
Xue Zining nodded, "Those people were from Qian Jin Lou."
Wen Yuxi's body trembled, "Your Majesty, I have already disbanded Qian Jin Lou."
"I know. Then do you think it's possible that someone impersonated you?"
Wen Yuxi thought for a moment, "It's impossible. But I'm not sure. After all, Qian Jin Lou had a large number of people. If someone harbored ill intentions, such a thing might happen."
"Wen Yuxi, go to Jiangnan and bring back Xingchen, then investigate this matter."
Wen Yuxi stood up, "This subject will not fail to live up to your trust."
"Go!" Xue Zining said softly.
When Madam Xiao Min returned to the mansion, she locked herself in her room. Shi Lang knew that Madam Xiao Min couldn't bear to part with the little one.
Even he, after only meeting the little one a few times, felt a pang of sadness.
Because he really hadn't expected that the little one was Princess Xing Yue.
In the evening, Madam Xiao Min still hadn't come out. Shi Lang went to find her. He saw that Madam Xiao Min's door was still closed. He walked up and knocked on the door, "Madam, it's time to eat."
"My lord, this concubine is not hungry. Please eat first." Madam Xiao Min's voice came from inside.
Shi Lang sighed, did not leave, but pushed the door open and walked in. Madam Xiao Min was sitting on the bed. Hearing someone come in, she looked up. Upon seeing him, tears could no longer be held back.
"My lord..." Madam Xiao Min rushed into Shi Lang's arms.
Shi Lang sighed, "Madam, you should try to forget. That person is Princess Xing Yue. Her noble status is not something we can aspire to. Forget those days and start anew."
"My lord, this concubine knows, but this concubine truly cannot forget."
That was her expectation for a child, the child of her dreams.
"Madam, how about I have someone bring your niece to stay for a few days tomorrow?"
Madam Xiao Min did not want Shi Lang to worry about her anymore, so she agreed.
The next day, Yu Xiao Yu entered the Shi mansion. Upon hearing Madam Xiao Min's experience, she was greatly surprised, "Aunt, is this true?"
Madam Xiao Min nodded, "It is true. Xiao Yu, tell Auntie, did you really buy Princess Xing Yue from someone else?"
Yu Xiao Yu stiffened. She looked up at Madam Xiao Min and said, "Aunt, you don't believe me?"
"No, Xiao Yu. This matter is of great importance. His Majesty does not have the leisure to deal with such matters now. Once His Majesty has time, Auntie believes that His Majesty will thoroughly investigate this matter. Auntie does not want you to be implicated." Madam Xiao Min said with genuine emotion.
Yu Xiao Yu nodded, "Aunt, please don't worry, His Majesty will not blame me."
After saying a few comforting words to Madam Xiao Min, Yu Xiao Yu hurriedly left the Shi mansion. She was greatly surprised. If the little one was a princess, she would not be able to escape suspicion, after all, she was the one who had brought Princess Xing Yue here.
No, she couldn't just wait to be caught. She quickly went to an inn in the capital, exchanged a few secret words, and soon, a letter was sent out.
In a large mansion in Jiangnan, a young woman lay on a lounge chair. Her eyes were closed. As if sensing someone entering, she opened her eyes, only to find them empty. Her eyes had been gouged out.
"Sister, how do you feel?"
She looked in the direction of the voice, but she could not see. "Wuwuwu..." She desperately wanted to speak, but found she couldn't. Yes, her tongue was gone too.
Now, she was worse than a cripple.
"Sister, you've forgotten me. I'm so sad." The person sighed, seemingly very unhappy.
"Wuwu..."
"Sister, you really forgot me?"
"Wuwu..."
The man walked forward and whispered a few words into her ear. She was stunned, her eyes widened. Although they were empty, they conveyed an extreme sense of dread.
"Sister, you remember me now, don't you?"
"Wuwu..."
"Sister, don't be afraid. I will protect you from now on."
Saying this, he stepped forward and hugged her. She shook her head, trembling in his embrace.
"Sister, don't be afraid, I'll be with you from now on..."
"Wuwu..." She struggled.
With a chop to her neck, he knocked her unconscious.
He carefully placed her on the lounge chair, covered her with a quilt, and then went to the study. Someone was already waiting there.
Seeing him enter, the person quickly said, "Master."
"Any news?"
"Reporting to Master, there is news from the capital."
"Give it to me." He reached out and took a letter.
After reading the contents of the letter, he smiled, a smile colder than ever before.