The voice, cold and sharp, belonged to Ye Tinglan, undoubtedly.
The words "Zhao Si" falling from his lips were more terrifying to Qin Rulian than a bomb.
What had he said just now? Investigate?
Why would he want to re-examine this matter without rhyme or reason!
Her hand, clutching the handkerchief, tightened. Qin Rulian's face turned ashen. Just as she was about to retreat, Qi Xuan's reply rang out.
"Yes."
The next moment, the two of them emerged from behind the flower bushes without any warning. Upon seeing Qin Rulian, Ye Tinglan's steps faltered, his expression immediately turning cold.
"Rulian? What are you doing here?"
For the past two days, she had been using the excuse of the Empress to stay in the palace. Her sudden return to the manor was indeed suspicious.
Recalling what he had just instructed Qi Xuan, Ye Tinglan's dark eyes deepened, and his brows creased silently.
Qin Rulian had not expected to be caught red-handed. Her face froze for a few moments before she spoke stiffly.
"Brother Tinglan, the Princess left the palace in a hurry yesterday. I was worried and specifically returned to the manor to visit her. I didn't expect..."
She didn't expect the slut's courtyard to be locked, and she had stumbled upon such horrifying news!
Ye Tinglan frowned. "No need to visit. The Princess is unwell and should not receive guests for the time being. You should go back."
Unwell?
Her gaze swept over the guards at the entrance of Lanqing Courtyard. Qin Rulian's eyes flickered. She lowered her head. "Then I shall take my leave, Brother Tinglan."
With that, she turned to leave. Ye Tinglan gave her a cold glance before looking away.
He admitted that his words last night had an element of anger. Upon reflection, Feng Yinwan's words didn't seem to be false.
If she truly didn't know who that scoundrel was...
"Did you remember everything I instructed you just now?"
It was Sun Pozi who had insisted on leading him to Lanqing Courtyard the night he returned to the manor. It was only afterward that he had discovered the hickeys on Feng Yinwan's body. If this matter was premeditated, then Sun Pozi probably knew something.
Now that Zhao Si was dead and Sun Pozi had already been sold off, the only person who might know was Qin Rulian's maid, Feise.
Feise was the key to uncovering the truth.
Qi Xuan dared not hesitate. "Please rest assured, Your Highness."
...
Throughout the day, the door to Lanqing Courtyard was opened only three times.
Feng Yinwan had barely touched the meals brought in. Yuping watched anxiously, repeating her entreaties several times without success.
"Miss, your health is important. I know you are upset, but..."
The door finally opened, and Feng Yinwan walked out with a grim expression, her words directed only at Yuping.
"Go and find Qi Xuan."
She had already made up her mind about the divorce. Now that Ye Tinglan had ordered her courtyard sealed, she would need Qi Xuan if she wanted to leave.
Yuping nodded and ran out to call for him, but returned empty-handed after a long while.
"Miss, the guards said Qi Xuan went out today and is not in the manor."
Not here?
Feng Yinwan's delicate brows furrowed. "I understand."
With that, she turned to go back inside, but Yuping's hand tugged at her sleeve.
"Miss..."
Knowing what she was about to say, Feng Yinwan pursed her lips and picked up the bowl of porridge from the table.
Yuping's eyes lit up. Just as she was about to speak, a faint rustling sound came from the courtyard wall. Her brows tightened, and her small face turned serious.
"Miss."
Feng Yinwan had also sensed the anomaly. She gently set down the bowl in her hand and gestured for Yuping to retrieve her sword.
Behind the door lay a sharp blade.
Silence descended upon the courtyard. Just as they held their breath, a very light knock sounded from outside the door.
Feng Yinwan's brow twitched.
These days, were assassins so polite?
They even knocked before trying to kill someone.
Her brows furrowed, and she moved the long sword in her hand closer. The next moment, Song Qingan's voice suddenly came from outside.
"Princess Consort."
She had never expected it to be him. Feng Yinwan was stunned, and Yuping looked bewildered.
As Song Qingan entered, Feng Yinwan's long sword was still in her hand. He clearly paused upon seeing it, then touched his nose, looking visibly embarrassed.
"Last night, I was negligent and couldn't hold my liquor. You must have found it amusing, Princess Consort."
He was supposed to keep Feng Yinwan company, but he had gotten drunk first and had to be sent back by Feng Yinwan's people. Thinking about it made him feel annoyed.
Feng Yinwan understood. "Young Master Song, there's no need to dwell on it. Regarding last night, I, this Princess Consort, still owe you a word of thanks."
Although her argument with Ye Tinglan was unavoidable, Song Qingan's actions had ultimately been of help to her.
Her long lashes fluttered, and she looked up again. "May I ask why Young Master Song has come today?"
Song Qingan nodded, his expression becoming more serious.
"I was worried about the Princess Consort and came to visit today, but..."
Lanqing Courtyard was sealed. The guards at the manor had directly refused him entry, and he couldn't get any news. That's why he resorted to this method.
"This action is indeed abrupt. I hope the Princess Consort will forgive me."
"It's not Young Master Song's fault. This is a matter between this Princess Consort and the Prince."
Feng Yinwan knew full well that Ye Tinglan had confined her. If not for this, Song Qingan would surely not have been able to see her.
Involving him, she already felt guilty.
She slightly lowered her eyelashes, her face appearing even paler than last night, and the fatigue in her eyes was undeniable.
Not knowing what Ye Tinglan had done, Song Qingan felt a pang in his chest.
"Princess Consort, what do you plan to do next?"
Seeing that she was safe, he had secretly breathed a sigh of relief. However, given Feng Yinwan's character, she would never willingly be confined here.
Feng Yinwan paused at his words, pursed her lips, and did not hide anything.
"I have already decided to seek a divorce from the Prince, but at present..."
His confinement of her was enough to indicate Ye Tinglan's attitude.
Song Qingan remained silent for a moment, then raised his hand, his expression clearly more resolute than before. "If the Princess Consort is willing, I can assist you."
His offer of assistance was to help Feng Yinwan leave the Prince's manor. This was her most urgent need at the moment.
Feng Yinwan's heart tightened. It was difficult to refuse.
"Have you thought it through? The Prince misunderstands you and me greatly, and furthermore... this matter is not trivial."
Last night, Ye Tinglan had already been suspicious of him regarding the child. If Song Qingan were to help her leave the manor now, things would likely only get more complicated.
"Princess Consort need not worry about me."
As long as he could help her, he would do so without hesitation, as long as she didn't push him away.
His tone was gentle, yet surprisingly firm. Feng Yinwan's heart stirred, and her eyes involuntarily felt a little warm.
"Alright."
"Three days from now, I will await the Princess Consort's decision."
He didn't linger. He rose to take his leave, moving as quietly as he had arrived.
Feng Yinwan remained seated by the table, the bowl of congee beside her growing cold.
"Miss."
Yuping returned after closing the door. Seeing the solemn expression on her face, she pursed her lips.
"If you wish to leave, then leave. I will support you."
It would be good if she left. This way, Miss could escape all the troubles and live a carefree life.
In the past, Miss had been so carefree and joyful. But since returning to the capital from the isolation facility, it was as if an invisible burden had been placed upon her. She hadn't been truly happy for a long time.
She only hoped that Miss would be well. That was enough.
Her hand was held tightly. Feng Yinwan looked up at her, her pretty face filled with resolve.
"Yuping, are you willing to go with me?"