Proud Feather

Chapter 156 Tire Change
The newcomer was slightly plump, with a friendly smile on his face; it was Jiang Shijun.

He didn't recognize Xiao Yu, but Gongsun Hong and the others were very concerned about Chu Ling's affairs and recognized him immediately.

"Mr. Jiang?"

Jiang Shijun nodded slightly: "I just came to give it a try, I didn't expect Young Master Xiao to actually be here."

As he spoke, his gaze settled on Xiao Yu, a hint of admiration in his eyes. Although this young master Xiao was blind, it did not diminish his demeanor in the slightest; no wonder the princess regarded him with special favor.

Xiao Yu frowned slightly and asked, "Today is New Year's Eve, a time for family reunions. Mr. Jiang, is there something important that you have come to visit at this time?"

"Yes." Time was of the essence, so Jiang Shijun didn't waste any time, only asking one question, "Is this place safe? Can you just say so?"

Gongsun Hong glanced at Wu Zhiyong, who then went outside to guard the gate, before saying, "You may speak now."

Jiang Shijun quickly recounted what had happened in the palace: "...Miss Qingcha managed to send out a message saying that things could get complicated if things dragged on, and that if this matter was delayed, it might be forgotten. We need to find evidence as soon as possible. The person who did this is probably Princess Xin, but why she did it is still a question. Since it involves talismans, she thought of Master Lingxu, so she came to find Young Master Xiao."

Xiao Yu nodded slightly and then said nothing more.

Gongsun Hong knew he was pondering and waited quietly. Jiang Shijun, being perceptive, also remained silent, showing no intention of urging him.

“It’s a tire change.” After a long silence, Xiao Yu suddenly spoke.

Jiang Shijun was taken aback, his eyes widening suddenly: "You mean..."

“I have some knowledge of Taoist arts,” Xiao Yu said. “Two pregnant women, one with a strong fetus and the other with a weak fetus, burned talismans and caused one of them to miscarry. They were probably tricked by some quack doctor and wanted to switch fetuses.”

Jiang Shi gasped. He'd been in the capital for so long and knew the corrupt practices of the wealthy and powerful, but the sordid affairs within the imperial palace were even worse. This was a mother-in-law and daughter-in-law, pregnant with a prince's grandson, yet they were doing things only a fool would believe. But…

"Young Master Xiao, you must not have misunderstood. Princess Xin is in good health, and the baby is growing well. It is Consort Shu who, since becoming pregnant with this child, has been so weak that she looks like she could be blown away by a gust of wind. It was Consort Shu who miscarried, not Princess Xin."

“What is on the surface may not be the truth,” Xiao Yu said slowly. “Fetuses are born with varying degrees of strength and weakness. Consort Shu’s health is so poor, yet she was still able to conceive. This fetus must be born with good health. As for that Princess Xin, whether the fetus in her womb is good or not is unknown to outsiders.”

Jiang Shijun understood: "I know how to investigate now."

Xiao Yu nodded slightly: "The palace must be in complete chaos, right? They might summon Master Lingxu soon. I'll go find someone and make some arrangements."

Jiang Shijun bowed gratefully: "Thank you, Young Master Xiao. No wonder Miss Qingcha said she wanted to come to you at such a critical moment."

Xiao Yu smiled slightly: "Mr. Jiang, you should go quickly. Things might change if you delay."

Remembering what Qingcha had said, Jiang Shijun immediately cupped his hands in farewell and said, "I, Jiang, will take my leave."

After saying that, he turned and left the tavern, quickly disappearing into the night.

Gongsun Hong looked at the food and wine on the table and sighed, "It seems we won't be able to have New Year's Eve dinner."

Xiao Yu ignored him and continued, "Old Wu!"

Wu Zhiyong had already entered: "Here."

"Go find out where my senior brother is and tell him to come over as soon as possible." "Yes."

Xiao Yu gave Gongsun Hong some more instructions, then sat alone at the table, thought quietly for a while, and let out a sigh.

This is a good opportunity; perhaps we can create a breach in the Prince Xin's residence...
-
Inside the main hall, Chu Ling was explaining things in detail to the emperor.

“Father, look, let’s start from the beginning. First, two palace maids serving Consort Shu in Yongchun Palace deserted their posts. Then, a maid from the East Palace took their place. Next, a eunuch on duty said he saw my sister-in-law meeting with the maid. Each step is linked to the next, which leads to my sister-in-law being implicated. If my sister-in-law is telling the truth, then all four of them are in the wrong.”

The emperor nodded and exclaimed, "You've learned a lot from Gao Mian these days!"

Chu Ling smiled smugly: "Of course!"

She continued, "As for Second Sister-in-law's situation, it's quite simple. She just bribed a maid beforehand to carry the suspicious handkerchief! Whether it's real or fake, or both, the mastermind is extremely vicious."

The emperor's face was somber as he recalled old tales. Witchcraft, poisoning, and framing were commonplace in the harems of Emperors Xuanzong and Xiaozong, but after he entered the capital, he had purged these practices countless times from top to bottom, and they had long since disappeared. Now, they had resurfaced; which remnant was behind it all?
With the Crown Prince gone, only the second prince remains as an adult. The fifth prince is still young, and Jin'er, the grandson of the emperor, is not much older. If he were to use this matter to cause trouble, he might end up like his uncle, Emperor Xingzong, with no heir and the throne falling into the wrong hands.

What a sinister plot! Who is behind this conspiracy? And who is the inside agent in the palace?

His gaze swept across the hall, finding each concubine suspicious.

Chu Ling watched from the side, a slight smile playing on her lips. Stepping back from her own emotions, she discovered she could read her father's mind instantly.

His most important thing was imperial power, and secondly, he valued his children and concubines, who needed to understand their place and provide him with the emotional support they deserved. If he had to rank them, his second brother was number one, Consort Shu and she were number two, and he would show some favor to Consort Xian and others when they were useful, but ignore them when they were no longer needed.

See, it's easy to understand. So, once it's confirmed that it was the second sister-in-law who did it, she needs to arouse the emperor's greatest suspicion so that the investigation can continue.

Chu Ling turned her head and saw Chu He looking at her, so she asked, "What's wrong, Second Brother?"

Chu He didn't dare to say anything. This girl was too quick-witted. Recently, she seemed to have suddenly become enlightened. She used to be an ignorant person, but now she can talk about everything in a very logical way. Her father also favors her, and he didn't want to humiliate himself.

Chu Ling was too lazy to waste words on him and continued to say to the emperor, "Father, there is no need to worry. Lord Xue has already gone to interrogate them. Don't you know his abilities? We may soon have a result as to who among those people is in trouble."

The emperor nodded gently and said softly, "A-Ling, you've been busy all night. If you're tired, take a rest. Master Lingxu won't be here anytime soon."

Chu Ling was about to say she wasn't tired when she caught a glimpse of Qingcha's figure flashing past the door. A thought struck her, and she replied, "Thank you for your concern, Father. I didn't eat much just now, and I'm a little hungry..."

The emperor smiled: "Then hurry up and eat something. Your father will be worried if you get hungry."

"Yes!" Chu Ling nodded happily, "Your subject will be back soon."

She left the main hall, called Qingcha, and walked along the corridor for a while until there were no more spies around.

Qingcha said softly, "Princess, Mr. Jiang has sent a message..."

　I'm being hospitalized tomorrow, so there might not be any updates for a while. The doctor says I can be discharged next week, but I'll need to rest for a while. My neck is still immobile after surgery, so I won't be able to type. Thank you everyone, I'll be back as soon as possible.

　　(End of this chapter)