The old man snorted, very displeased, "Your leg is injured, and your brain is gone too!"
Pei Ji gave a wry smile, "I'm sorry."
He was truly anxious, his mind muddled for a moment, seizing onto any hint of a clue, fearing he might miss crucial evidence.
Shen Qingqing walked behind the old man and poked his back with a finger.
The old man, who had been about to retort with more sharp words, felt the girl's small movement behind him and grudgingly held back.
Shen Qingqing circled to his side and sat down, "Is this poison Pei Xi's poison?"
The old man nodded, "To be precise, this was my poison at first."
This statement made everyone look at him.
The old man remained calm, "The original purpose of researching this was so that my patients would suffer less pain."
"Isn't there anesthesia?"
"Some people develop resistance to anesthesia, and even after the effects wear off, the pain remains." The old man thought the substance was impractical at the time.
He spent two days researching and developing this 'One Day Drunk,' which could make people forget their pain, gradually repair their bodies, and had no side effects.
This was because he had added precious medicinal herbs to it.
However, after Pei Xi stole it, it was likely modified.
Based on the ingredients he analyzed, the highly nourishing herbs had been removed, and a deadly poison had been added, which would cause death within 12 hours.
"But Pei Xi is already dead," Shen Qingqing stated, a sentence that silenced everyone.
Yes, he was already dead.
How could his poison still appear?
Did he give his poison to someone else, or did he have accomplices?
But he was dead!
Even if he had had accomplices before, they couldn't possibly help him seek revenge now.
Shen Qingqing touched her chin and said, "When Pei Ji and I were kidnapped, he wasn't around at night; it seemed he went to meet someone."
"He must have had an accomplice," the old man couldn't figure it out, "but I don't understand, he's already dead, what benefit could he possibly give that accomplice?"
Shen Qingqing frowned slightly, "Indeed, this person must have a goal to achieve. Killing the King... could he still covet the throne?"
"That's impossible," Pei Lie was the first to object, "After Pei Xi's incident, I investigated, and I can confirm that Father definitely does not have any other illegitimate sons!"
"I also think it's unlikely," Shen Qingqing's mention of coveting the throne wasn't about this person's identity as another illegitimate son of the King. She felt a headache coming on, "Your royal family matters are truly complicated."
Since she arrived, many things had happened surrounding the throne.
Each one was life-threatening.
"The truth of this matter must be investigated," Pei Lie clenched his fist, his expression solemn, "No matter who killed my father, I will not let him go!"
"Me neither."
Pei Ji's expression was gloomy. He was naturally a cheerful and sunny person. In his life, he had only shown extreme hatred towards Pei Xi.
Now, he felt this murderer truly deserved to die!
Thus, the investigation was handed over to Pei Lie.
After an autopsy, the King's time of death was determined to be around 3 AM in the latter half of last night.
Based on the time of poisoning, he had been poisoned at 3 PM yesterday.
With this timeline, Pei Lie began to investigate who had seen the King yesterday.
Especially who had seen him last.
After much investigation, suspicion fell upon Duke Chapulin.
Witnesses reported that he was the last person to see the King yesterday.
And he had argued with the King!
Pei Lie personally led his men to Duke Chapulin's residence to apprehend him. Chapulin was bewildered when he was taken away, having no idea what was happening.
"What is it? Why are you arresting me?"
Pei Lie stared at him sharply, "Father has some questions for you."
"You could have sent someone to find me; why did Your Highness have to come personally?"
The Duke vaguely sensed something was amiss; this was too grand an occasion.
Pei Lie smiled slightly, "Of course, it's because your status is unusual, and my presence shows more respect."
Thus, the Duke believed him.
Soon, they arrived at the royal palace. Pei Lie led him to a room and said with a smile, "Please rest here for a moment; I'll go inform Father."
The Duke narrowed his eyes, "Just let me see him directly; it's always been like this before. Why do I need to be announced today?"
He wasn't a fool; he sensed something was wrong.
Pei Lie explained with a smile, "Father is a bit busy today, and I'm not sure if he has time to see you right now. Some ministers are also in the study..."
It wasn't appropriate for others to overhear their conversation.
The Duke didn't think further, "Then I'll trouble Your Highness. I'll wait here."
But as soon as Pei Lie left and the door closed,
He suddenly realized he had overlooked something.
If the King was so busy, why summon him at this time?
The Queen eventually found out.
After she woke up, her main attendant brought some food to her room. However, the attendant was too nervous, and the Queen was a very intelligent and perceptive woman.
She immediately sensed something was wrong.
Under her relentless questioning, the attendant finally trembled and told the truth.
The Queen immediately rushed to the King's room.
However, she was stopped by Pei Lie, who arrived in time.
"Let me go!" the Queen said, her eyes red.
"Mother, don't go in," Pei Lie didn't want his mother to see that scene. He knew his mother loved his father, despite all his flaws.
But she still loved him.
To witness the departure of the one she loved was too cruel, too painful.
He worried his mother wouldn't be able to bear it.
The Queen struggled desperately, tears streaming down her face, but Pei Lie held her tightly. Seeing his mother's pain, his heart ached as well.
"Mother, don't be like this..."
His mother struggled for a long time, even scratching Pei Lie's neck, but she couldn't break free. Eventually, she herself was exhausted.
Her legs gave way, and she sat on the ground.
Pei Lie was also quite tired; he hadn't expected to be so worn out by a woman. Seeing his mother crying uncontrollably, he held her and said hoarsely, "Mother, don't be sad. You taught me that everyone must die, and we must face it bravely..."
The Queen covered her face and sobbed.
She could say those words, but when faced with the scene of the person she loved most departing, the grief still swept over her like a tide.
She cried as if the world had collapsed.
Pei Ji and Pei Xing were drawn over. They exchanged a look and moved closer, surrounding Pei Lie and the Queen, the family offering each other warmth.
The Queen looked up blankly and saw her sons looking at her with concern. The unbearable pain in her heart finally eased somewhat.
"I'm alright now..."
Her throat was hoarse from crying, and her voice was rough and unpleasant.
Pei Lie helped her to stand up, "Mother, would you like to rest for a while?"
"He died like this?"
The Queen asked. After crying, she seemed to have regained her strength. Her eyes, washed by tears, were clear, filled with determination and sorrow.