What the Marquis of Zhongyong could find wasn't much.
However, the recent information about Qian Le'er was truly eye-opening.
Qian Le'er had been bullied on the streets more than once. Yi Zixing wasn't the only one who had saved her, but he was the last.
The Marquis of Zhongyong ordered a deeper investigation and confirmed that when Qian Le'er was being bullied, Yi Zixing was indeed nearby. However, due to certain reasons, he would often change his route or turn back, thus missing encounters with Qian Le'er.
As a result of several coincidences, every person who saved Qian Le'er was met with a cold shoulder from her.
Once could be a coincidence.
Twice might still be a coincidence.
But five or six times, could it still be a coincidence? No one would believe such a claim.
Therefore, from the very beginning, Qian Le'er's target was Yi Zixing.
The Marquis of Zhongyong told Yi Zixing about this. Yi Zixing was indifferent. He even said that Qian Le'er had mentioned she was new to the capital and unfamiliar with it, hence she was often bullied, but thankfully met him. With Qian Le'er's prior narrative, Yi Zixing didn't believe the facts the Marquis of Zhongyong presented, and even suspected the Marquis's intentions.
It was likely that Yi Zixing still believed the Marquis of Zhongyong was trying to drive them apart by saying these things.
Running through what the Marquis of Zhongyong had just said in her mind, Yun Shu spoke, "I do know Qian Le'er."
"Then you must know what kind of person she is, right? She's not someone who flatters the powerful or looks down on the poor. On the contrary, she's understanding, gentle, and considerate. It's just that her humble background isn't something she could control." Yi Zixing stared intently at Yun Shu, each word seemingly imbued with force, enunciated so clearly that Yun Shu could hear every syllable.
It seemed like a question, but it was more like a plea for Yun Shu to give him an answer that would convince himself.
"You're asking Shu girl? What could she possibly know? With so many people she knows in the world, how can she understand everyone? You ungrateful son, don't let me see you again, get out!" The Marquis of Zhongyong couldn't hold back any longer.
Seeing this, Yun Changfeng immediately interjected, "Your Lordship, you must not get angry!"
Yi Zixing took a deep breath, filled with helplessness. "Father, why don't you believe me?"
"Your eyes are blinded, you can't see the truth, and you're letting a woman who says one thing and means another sway your thoughts. You expect me to believe you? Then I've lived these past few decades in vain!" The Marquis of Zhongyong retorted angrily.
Hopeless, completely hopeless!
Yi Zixing's face tensed.
He looked at Yun Shu, hoping she would speak up for Le'er.
"I'm sorry, I only spent one day with Qian Le'er and don't know her well," Yun Shu replied truthfully.
Not knowing her well, she could offer no comment.
There were some things she needed to investigate.
She felt that the massacre of the entire village, Qian Le'er's arrival in the capital, and her proximity to Yi Zixing were all interconnected.
Yi Zixing didn't get the answer he wanted, looking disappointed. "You're not perhaps… not saying anything because my father is here, and you don't want to make things difficult for him?"
Before he could finish his sentence.
Suddenly, a vase was hurled at him.
"Shut up! You ungrateful son! Do you think everyone is as blind as you are? How dare you be so disrespectful to Shu girl! She is my savior, a benefactor to our Marquis of Zhongyong's manor. If you dare to be rude to her, believe it or not, I will go to the Emperor right now and have your title as heir to the Marquis of Zhongyong revoked, and you expelled from the family register!" The Marquis of Zhongyong was furious. He then grabbed a small vase nearby and threw it at Yi Zixing.
Yi Zixing dodged in time, and the vase missed him.
Seeing this, Yun Changfeng felt somewhat at a loss. This, this…
"What kind of enmity could exist between father and son? Your Lordship, please do not speak in anger," Yun Changfeng pleaded.
The Marquis of Zhongyong was panting, his chest heaving.
Yun Shu sighed softly, "Your Lordship, you must not get overly agitated. In a state of great anger, no elixir can be effective."
"I'm sorry, Father. Please don't be angry. Let's discuss some things another day." Although Yi Zixing was also angry and helpless, he was more concerned about his father's health.
The Marquis of Zhongyong glared at Yi Zixing, his expression one of utter disapproval. He took a sip of water to calm himself down.
Yun Shu observed Yi Zixing's changing expression subtly.
In such a short time, Yi Zixing's feelings for Qian Le'er had become so deep that he was willing to risk angering the Marquis of Zhongyong to legitimize their relationship?
It must have been love at first sight.
If the truth was as the Marquis of Zhongyong claimed, coupled with her own suspicions, Yi Zixing might not get what he wished for.
…
In the carriage.
Yun Changfeng sighed deeply.
"I really don't know what kind of bewitching potion Yi Shizi has been given."
Yun Shu replied, "Father, this matter might not be as simple as it seems. I will have someone investigate it."
"You think it's not simple? Your father also feels it's not simple. There are so many women in the capital, and many are entangled with Yi Shizi. How could he have been so quickly infatuated with a woman who just arrived in the capital?" Yuan Changfeng said gravely.
Father and daughter looked at each other and nodded almost simultaneously.
This matter was indeed unusual.
Having experienced numerous schemes and deceptions from enemies on the battlefield, Yun Changfeng now sensed a sense of crisis. "The capital is full of hidden dangers now."
"Yes, unknowingly, it has become fraught with danger," Yun Shu's gaze deepened.
…
Night King's Manor.
A scout stealthily delivered a letter.
The letter reached Qiu Lu.
After reading it, Qiu Lu thought for a moment before reporting to Zhan Tianye.
Upon hearing this, Zhan Tianye looked up at Qiu Lu. "Yi Zixing watched them leave? And only returned to his manor after the carriage was out of sight?"
"Yes, Your Highness," Qiu Lu replied, nodding.
Zhan Tianye's gaze deepened, and he said sternly, "Are you implying that Yi Zixing still has feelings for Yun Shu?"
Qiu Lu shook his head. "This subordinate is not sure. There is another matter. The concubine by Yi Shizi's side is none other than my cousin, Qian Le'er. This subordinate fears that Yi Shizi might be using my cousin to attract the attention of Miss Yun Er."
When he learned this news, he was shocked.
He had never imagined Qian Le'er would become Yi Shizi's concubine!
Why would she demean herself to be someone's concubine?
How had she survived the massacre of their village?
For a moment, Qiu Lu was filled with questions.
Zhan Tianye glanced at Qiu Lu. "You're overthinking it. Yi Zixing is not the type to use others to achieve his goals. Go and investigate Qian Le'er."
Hearing this, Qiu Lu's heart sank. Was the Prince asking him to investigate Le'er because he suspected her?
Never mind the Prince suspecting Le'er; he himself was beginning to have doubts. Could there be such a coincidence in the world?
How could she have become Yi Shizi's concubine?