Chapter 29: Scattering Spring Blossoms

"Cough, cough, cough..." Xiao Jingchi suddenly began to cough uncontrollably.

Shen He hurriedly handed him a cup of water and gently rubbed his back, saying, "Take it slowly."

"Cough, cough, cough... Thank you, Elder Sister!" Xiao Jingchi took the cup and drank it down in one gulp.

Shen He knitted her willow-leaf brows together and, following up on Chen Chuchuan’s words, asked, "You mean there is another reason for Mr. Yan’s death? What do you mean by that?"

Yan Qingyi was also stunned; the amount of information today was simply overwhelming.

Chen Chuchuan rested an elbow on the table, his expression solemn. "Mr. Yan had been poisoned with a substance extremely difficult to detect, one that even the best coroner could not identify. It just so happened that my master, the former Vice Minister of Justice Xu Yu, was back in town. Under his examination, it was discovered that Mr. Yan had been subjected to a chronic poison that leaves little trace. On the day of the assassination, Mr. Yan had to exert his internal energy, which caused the poison to flare up rapidly. I suspect this is why his strength failed him, leaving him unable to resist and ultimately leading to his death."

Yan Qingyi’s hands clenched into fists once again. Who could it be? What was the truth behind his brother’s death?

Even Xiao Jingchi lowered his head and ate in silence, and the room grew quiet.

Shen He frowned in thought. This was information she had never known in her past life; she had never realized there was such a layer to the mystery of Mr. Yan's demise.

Indeed, given the Master's capabilities, even if he were protecting the Sixth Prince, it would have been impossible for him to be killed so easily.

"Do you know what kind of poison it is?" Shen He asked.

"Not yet. At the moment, we can only pursue the investigation through the poison. My master is still working to identify it, and I will let you know as soon as there is a result."

Shen He nodded. "Very well, thank you. The cause of Mr. Yan's death must be uncovered."

Shen He looked at Yan Qingyi and earnestly advised, "Therefore, Qingyi, you must absolutely not let your emotions dictate your actions in this matter. If you go head-to-head with the Third Prince now, you will gain nothing. Remember, if they seek you out, pretend to compromise. We will investigate in the shadows. Mr. Yan's death will surely see those responsible pay the price!"

***

Several days later, at the Cloud Cliff private room of the Eight Treasures Pavilion.

"Third Young Master, the choice is yours." Xiao Jingren’s words were heavy and final, leaving Yan Qingyi no room for negotiation.

Yan Qingyi pondered for a moment, looked at the hairpin shattered into pieces on the floor, and finally compromised. "Very well, I agree. I will no longer interfere in this matter."

A triumphant smile appeared on Xiao Jingren’s face. "As expected of the Third Young Master; you know how to read the situation. Rest assured, if the opportunity arises, I will certainly see to it that you and the Chen family’s daughter are united."

"That is unnecessary, as long as the Third Prince no longer harms her."

Xiao Jingren nodded. After all, promising to unite them was just empty talk; he had no certainty of being able to facilitate it. "Very well, Third Young Master, rest assured. From now on, not only will you be safe, but I will also ensure Miss Chen is protected within the palace."

"However, I have my own demands," Yan Qingyi suddenly said.

"Please, Third Young Master, speak."

Yan Qingyi slowly raised the sword in his hand, pointing it directly at Yan Qingyu, struggling to suppress the fury in his heart. "I want him to kneel before my brother’s spirit tablet and repent for three days!"

Yan Qingyu’s eyes widened in rage. He was about to retort, but was stopped by a look from Xiao Jingren. Xiao Jingren turned to look at Yan Qingyi with a smile. "Very well, that is not a difficult request. I shall promise you that on behalf of the Second Young Master."

"There is more," Yan Qingyi continued.

"Yan Qingyi, do not push your luck!" Yan Qingyu shouted angrily.

Xiao Jingren waved a hand. "Now, now, let the Third Young Master speak."

Yan Qingyu turned away indignantly, remaining silent.

"I want to see my father."

Xiao Jingren and Yan Qingyu exchanged a glance, then laughed. "That is your family affair, and it is not truly for me to decide. However, I have heard that since the incident with Mr. Yan, your father has been bedridden. The Second Young Master has been attending to him with great care; once your father’s health improves, the Second Young Master will surely allow you to see him."

Yan Qingyi understood that this meant he would not be seeing him, and it was time to stop pushing.

"Does the Second Young Master have any other requests?"

Yan Qingyi said firmly, "I hope the Third Prince keeps his word!"

Xiao Jingren smiled. "Rest assured, I have always been a man of my word!"

***

After Yan Qingyi left, Xiao Jingren comforted Yan Qingyu. "Qingyu, this matter is thanks to you; I will certainly remember your contribution!"

As he spoke, he raised his wine cup to toast Yan Qingyu.

Yan Qingyu thought of the demand to kneel before his brother’s spirit tablet for three days, and a lump formed in his throat like a thorn. Outwardly, however, he could not say much, so he drank the wine in one gulp.

Xiao Jingren noticed his dissatisfaction. "I know Yan Qingyi’s request is difficult for you, but just do it to appease him; there is no need to take it to heart. Yesterday, the Minister of Justice sent a set of Langyao red-glazed cups; I will have them sent to your residence later. When it comes to wine appreciation, I am no match for you."

Yan Qingyu knew Xiao Jingren was placating him and giving him face, so he didn't decline. He put on a smile and said, "Your Highness is too kind; doing these things for you is only right."

"I have an appointment with the eldest daughter of the Shen family shortly, so I will not linger with you. I have taken this matter to heart, and I will also inform Her Majesty the Empress of your contribution."

Yan Qingyu rose to see Xiao Jingren out. After closing the door, he looked at the food on the table, unable to swallow a single bite. "Yan Qingyi! Sooner or later, the Yan family will be mine!"

***

Inside Listening Sound Tower.

Xiao Jingren sat in a private booth, waiting for Shen He.

Shen He walked into the tower in a white dress and sat down gracefully opposite Xiao Jingren. "Third Prince, am I late?"

"Not at all, I have only just arrived." Xiao Jingren smiled and poured a cup of tea for Shen He.

That handsome face still looked as attractive as ever.

"Third Prince..." Shen He was about to speak, but met Xiao Jingren’s smiling gaze. She caught herself and changed her tone. "Brother Jingren, what made you think to invite me out today?"

Xiao Jingren placed a letter on the table. "I have had someone look it over; there are no issues. We can begin mining."

Shen He feigned great joy. "Really? That is wonderful! If it is true, this will surely be of great help to you, Brother Jingren."

Xiao Jingren whispered, "However, by law, gold mines must be reported to the Imperial Court. We must be cautious; under no circumstances can anyone else find out."

Shen He nodded. "Rest assured, Brother Jingren, I understand. The people I have sent are all trusted servants of the Shen residence; there will be no leaks."

"I have always trusted you, A-He."

As he spoke, he placed a stack of silver notes on the table. "This is ten thousand taels. Take it for now; after all, mining gold carries risks. Let us test the waters first, and if more funds are needed later, we will supplement them."

Shen He took the notes. She did not trust him entirely, but these ten thousand taels were more than enough to pay off Cui Ya’s gambling debts.

"Very well, Brother Jingren, rest assured."

Xiao Jingren watched the look of love in Shen He’s eyes, filled with a sense of accomplishment.

"By the way, A-He, I heard that it is your younger half-sister performing the dance at the Mid-Autumn Palace Banquet?"

"Yes, my dancing skills are not worth seeing; A-Yan is much better."

"Will you still be attending the Mid-Autumn Palace Banquet?" Xiao Jingren asked, feigning indifference.

"Naturally, I will attend."

Xiao Jingren smiled. "That is good. Then I shall see you that day."

Shen He reached out and took Xiao Jingren’s hand. "Yes, I will see you then, Brother Jingren."

*[...Spring Flower Powder]*

Shen He sneered inwardly. Spring Flower Powder was a potent aphrodisiac.

Xiao Jingren, to think you could come up with such a base scheme. Just wait and see the show.