Hengwu Courtyard.
Qiweng and Jianye waited in the room. Feng Yinwan lit a small piece of scented powder, and the moment the fragrance poured out, both their brows furrowed.
Feng Yinwan glanced at them, turned, and stepped away from the incense burner.
Within a few breaths, the dense fragrance filled the room. Jianye's face tensed, and his eyes, filled with a hint of confusion, turned to her.
"Where did Miss get this incense?"
Those who refined pills were particularly sensitive to scents. Miss had specifically asked them to smell it, implying something more behind this fragrance.
Feng Yinwan's expression flickered slightly, but she had no intention of hiding it.
"From the Empress."
"The Empress?"
The two exchanged glances, a shock running through them.
Feng Yinwan nodded, not wanting to elaborate.
"What do you think?"
Knowing she was asking for their opinions, Jianye considered for a moment and shook his head, "This incense is not toxic."
It smelled rich at first, with a subtle yet lingering scent.
Though a little strange, the aroma was calming and did not cause any agitation of the blood. It didn't seem poisonous.
Qiweng nodded in agreement, "Indeed, it is not toxic."
Feng Yinwan was not surprised by their assessment. After a moment of thought, she continued.
"Can you make incense?"
"This..."
The Xuanmen sect primarily focused on refining medicine and had no mention of incense making. Jianye paused, clearly not expecting her to ask this.
Qiweng, however, replied without hesitation, "What's so difficult about that? Isn't it the same as mixing medicinal powders?"
Both involved grinding ingredients and mixing them. The difference was that medicinal powder used herbs, while this used fragrances. The principle was quite similar.
Jianye nodded, feeling as if Qiweng had awakened him.
"But making medicine and making incense are still different. Can they be the same?"
Feng Yinwan stirred the ashes, extinguishing the last ember in the censer, and said, "The efficacy of this incense is far superior to others, so it's likely not made through ordinary methods."
Qiweng tapped his chin, "Then it might have been purified. Purification techniques aren't exactly rare. Our sect uses them infrequently, but those villains might."
Orthodox alchemy emphasized natural formation and didn't demand high purity from herbs. However, those who practiced poisons often took unconventional paths, making purification techniques essential.
Feng Yinwan's beautiful eyes darkened, her jaw tightening slightly, "Was the Fragrant Soul Lure also refined using this method?"
Her question was abrupt, and Qiweng was momentarily taken aback before nodding.
"That thing is also medicinal powder. If you want to put it that way... it should be similar."
Feng Yinwan nodded, "I understand."
She dumped the ashes and opened the window to air out the scent before opening the door to let in Feng Jinchend, who had been waiting outside.
The little boy had been waiting for a long time and refused to return to his room. He entered, hugged her leg, and let out a muffled sound.
"Mother, what secrets were you whispering about again?"
Ever since he'd asked "what is that," his mother had forbidden him from eavesdropping.
Alas, life was difficult. Chenchen sighed.
He had a dejected look on his small face, appearing quite wronged. Feng Yinwan reached out and stroked his head. Just as she was about to speak, a figure flashed outside.
Ye Tinglan entered with his hands behind his back. His gaze swept over the small hands clinging to her leg, and his dark eyes sank silently.
Feng Yinwan happened to be looking for him. Seeing this, she gently pushed the little boy in front of her towards Jianye.
"It's getting late, let him sleep."
"Yes, Miss."
Jianye picked him up and was about to return to the room, but Feng Jinchend was displeased.
"Mother!"
What was this? Why did he have to leave just because that bad old king arrived? Was there something he couldn't hear?
Feng Yinwan indeed had important matters to discuss, and it was getting late.
As she opened her mouth to comfort him, a cool voice beside her spoke first.
"Take the young master back to rest."
This was a clear command. Strangely, Jianye did not feel it was inappropriate and obediently carried Feng Jinchend out.
It wasn't until they were out of the room that he realized Ye Tinglan had given the order, not their Miss.
He paused, stopping in his tracks. Feng Jinchend, perched on his shoulder, was already fuming.
"Hey! What's wrong with you? Why are you so obedient to that bad old king!"
He wanted to tell his maternal grandfather that their Xuanmen had produced a traitor!
And that traitor was Jianye, the one they were closest to and trusted the most!
Meeting his resentful gaze, Jianye's forehead twitched. "Young master, I..."
Since he had already carried him out, it wouldn't do to turn back. Jianye sighed and took him to his room.
With the commotion outside fading, Qiweng remained in the room.
Seeing him standing there with his arms crossed, as if he hadn't been addressed, Ye Tinglan's expression darkened, and he shot him a cold glance.
The gaze was piercing and tangible, like a sharp blade landing on him.
Qiweng finally sensed it, sheepishly scratched the back of his head, and immediately moved.
"Uh, I'll go keep an eye on them..."
He quickly made his escape, speaking just as he was darting out.
The moment he left the room, a surge of energy emanated from beside her, and the chill in the room suddenly receded.
Feng Yinwan glanced sideways, meeting his dark eyes looking at her wordlessly. The words she had prepared on her lips turned into a question.
"Does Your Highness have something?"
Ye Tinglan nodded, his gaze fixed on her, deepening with unspoken meaning.
After a moment, he said, "Let's move back to Lanqing Courtyard."
Feng Yinwan had been ready to listen attentively, but his first sentence stunned her.
"Your Highness came just to say this?"
"Mm."
He was completely unashamed.
"Chenchen is growing up. It's inconvenient for him to be constantly by your side if he's to develop independently. You will reside in Lanqing Courtyard, and these two subordinates will accompany you here."
Look at that, listen to that. He had it all planned out for her.
Feng Yinwan tutted, the aura around her tightening.
She didn't notice, pondered for a moment, and then nodded.
"Alright."
From now on, matters from outside could be discussed at Lanqing Courtyard, saving the little one the constant desire to eavesdrop.
She considered her own plans, completely oblivious to Ye Tinglan's subtle sigh of relief.
Her expression momentarily hardened, and she asked, "We've made some progress on the incense matter. When will we enter the palace again?"
That incense originated from Changle Palace. To investigate, they had to trace its source.
Ye Tinglan had mentioned before that they would enter the palace to attend to the Empress Dowager shortly after their wedding. Although the Empress Dowager had not brought it up today, judging by his calm demeanor, he must have made preparations.
As expected, he said, "I have already petitioned the Empress Dowager. It will be arranged in the next couple of days."
Feng Yinwan nodded and walked out of the room.
All the way to Lanqing Courtyard, she remained silent, and Ye Tinglan followed without a word.
Confused by his intentions, she frowned, about to ask him to leave, when a figure suddenly appeared in her sight.
A face etched into her very bones entered her view. Feng Yinwan froze, her body stiffening.
Yuping!