At the late hour of Xu, Jiang Rumò returned to his manor from the palace.
Upon entering his bedchamber and preparing to change out of his official robes, his gaze fell upon a packet of herbs on his desk. Frowning, he immediately stepped forward to pick it up.
His medicinal ingredients were always meticulously organized and stored with strict order; how could this packet have appeared here without reason?
After a few moments of inspection, Jiang Rumò's expression shifted, and he quickly strode towards the door.
"Who entered my bedchamber today?"
The pageboy, stationed outside, immediately responded, "My lord, I have been on guard outside, and no one has entered your bedchamber."
No one?
Jiang Rumò paused, his hand gripping the herb packet. After a moment of silence, he turned to go back, but was called out by the pageboy.
"Ah, my lord, the Second Prince came to see you this evening. However, I informed him that you had not yet returned, and he left."
Ye Tingyan?
Jiang Rumò frowned. "Did he say anything?"
The pageboy shook his head. "No, nor did he enter the house."
Jiang Rumò's face tightened upon hearing this. After a moment, he nodded. "I understand."
...
For the past two days, the affairs of Prince Mo's manor had been proceeding in an orderly fashion. People from the palace were monitoring the situation, and Feng Yínwǎn had not been idle either. She dispatched Qīwén and Jiànyě to the Fourth Prince's manor.
She had heard somewhat about Ye Tingyǔ being confined to his residence as punishment for frequenting brothels. Their purpose in going there was mainly due to the scent of medicinal pills she had detected on him that day.
A slight rustling sound came from the courtyard, and the two descended.
Moments later, they entered the room.
"Miss, we have investigated, and he indeed has medicinal poison in his body."
Feng Yínwǎn took a sip of tea, not surprised by this outcome.
"Could you tell what kind of poison it is?"
Jiànyě's expression faltered upon hearing this, his lips quivering as if finding it difficult to speak.
After a long pause, Qīwén, unable to bear it any longer, spoke first.
"It's 'Fragrant Soul Lure.' It's not exactly a vicious poison, but this thing uses a woman's body as a medium. It's only contracted during that sort of thing..."
The implication of "that sort of thing" was clear, making Jiànyě's expression even more awkward.
Feng Yínwǎn was also somewhat surprised.
She had initially thought someone had simply poisoned Ye Tingyǔ, but she hadn't expected such a despicable method of poisoning.
However, on second thought, it made sense. Ye Tingyǔ had always indulged in wine and women; it was normal for him to be unable to control himself. Using this kind of poison was discreet and unlikely to arouse suspicion, making it the most suitable.
Her eyes narrowed, and just as she was about to speak, a small head suddenly squeezed out from the gap behind her.
Feng Jǐnchén tilted his small face up, his eyes wide. "What's 'that sort of thing'?"
Having grown up with his mother and maternal grandfather's influence, it was the first time he had heard of such a method of poisoning. Hmm, it was quite peculiar.
No one had expected him to suddenly appear. The atmosphere in the room froze for a second, and Feng Yínwǎn's hand, holding the teacup, trembled slightly as she suppressed her anger.
"Feng Jǐnchén!"
When had this child gotten up! How long had he been listening!
Scolded, Feng Jǐnchén was unfazed. He blinked his eyes like a curious baby.
"Mother, I'm here."
Feng Yínwǎn: "..."
Before she could grab him and give him a lecture, she saw him turn to Qīwén.
"Brother Qīwén, what did you mean by 'that sort of thing' just now..."
Qīwén paid no mind to proper parenting. He let out an "Oh" and was about to speak when Feng Yínwǎn sharply stopped him.
"How dare you say it!"
Qīwén seemed to be afraid.
Of course, Jiànyě didn't give him the chance to elaborate further. He covered Qīwén's mouth with his hand.
Feng Jǐnchén was displeased. "Why aren't you letting Brother Qīwén speak?"
Feng Yínwǎn's patience wore thin. "Feng Jǐnchén, your backside must not hurt anymore!"
Realizing she was truly angry, Feng Jǐnchén's little face trembled, and he quickly protected his backside.
"Mother, it still hurts..."
As soon as he finished speaking, he was picked up and carried out by Feng Yínwǎn. The door slammed shut in front of him, more heartlessly than when that scoundrel old king had kicked him out of the study that day.
Alas, a new day begins with heartbreak (now blackened...)
However, he had only been "blackened" for a second before Feng Yínwǎn's voice came through the door.
"Go further away!"
Feng Jǐnchén's small body shivered upon hearing this, and he quickly covered his backside and moved away.
"I... I understand, Mother."
Only after the footsteps outside faded did Feng Yínwǎn press her forehead and return to her seat.
Qīwén remained silent, too timid to speak. Feng Yínwǎn glared at him and then turned her gaze to Jiànyě.
"You tell me."
Jiànyě thought for a moment and nodded. "Miss, once the Fragrant Soul Lure is contracted, it lies dormant in the body and is usually undetectable. The poison on Ye Tingyǔ has likely been there for quite some time."
They had discovered the clue with little effort, which only meant the poison had been spreading within him for a long time and could be fatal if necessary.
Feng Yínwǎn understood the implication of his words. Her beautiful eyes darkened, a hint of amusement surging within them.
It seemed this matter was more interesting than she had anticipated.
As she came out, Feng Jǐnchén was peeking through the door crack, looking rather furtive.
Feng Yínwǎn raised an eyebrow and stealthily moved forward, using some of her internal energy.
"What are you looking at?"
Her voice was very soft. The little dumpling was startled. When he realized it was her, his hairs stood on end.
"Mother..."
He only managed to utter half a syllable before Feng Yínwǎn quickly covered his mouth.
Looking through the door crack, they saw an even more furtive maid.
Her eyebrows furrowed slightly, and she got up again.
This was a maidservant of Yúnshū; she recognized her.
"What's so interesting about this?"
As soon as the restraint on his mouth was removed, Feng Jǐnchén immediately spoke in a small voice, as if seeking praise, "Mother, you don't know, but she's been coming over here these past two days. I've seen her several times!"
Feng Yínwǎn raised an eyebrow. "What is she doing here?"
The little fellow pouted. "She's not doing anything in particular, just secretly looking at the things that have been delivered."
After thinking seriously, his little face drooped again.
"Mother, do you think she wants to steal our treasures? No, I'll go and sprinkle itching powder on all those treasures. If she dares to steal..."
"Come back."
"Aiyah!"
Feng Jǐnchén was unwilling, but he obediently stopped in his tracks.
Yúnshū had likely heard about Ye Tinglán's intention to welcome her as his official consort. The maidservant coming here and specifically looking at the delivered items was probably to verify this matter.
Let her look. At most, she would privately complain to Prince Dingnán and then make a fuss. With Ye Tinglán handling things, why should she worry?
Feng Yínwǎn closed her eyes, intending to take him back to the room. However, after only two steps, the courtyard gate behind them was pushed open.
The person who arrived was none other than Qí Xuán.
He seemed somewhat surprised to see her upon entering. After a brief pause, he cupped his hands in greeting.
"Tomorrow is the wedding ceremony. The Prince believes it might be inconvenient for you and the young master to stay together. A new courtyard has been prepared; please move there."
This was an invitation to change her residence.
Tomorrow, with many people around and eyes everywhere, it was indeed not advisable for Feng Jǐnchén to be present. Feng Yínwǎn pondered for a moment and then nodded.
"Lead the way."
Qí Xuán was obedient and led her there without incident. Feng Yínwǎn inadvertently looked up at the plaque and suddenly stopped.
The place Ye Tinglán had arranged for her to stay was actually the Lǎn Qīng Courtyard!