Holding a lantern, guiding souls across, Lady Hou comes from the underworld.

The Crown Prince's study was named Yongqing.

At this time, only one eunuch was waiting at the door.

Before entering, Ren Fengjue nodded to Xia Ximo behind him before stepping into the study.

However, looking around, one's steps falter slightly.

The Crown Prince Zhao Li, dressed in casual clothes, was sitting at his desk with two concubines by his side.

Fine wine and fruit were laid out in front of him.

He made no attempt to hide it, drinking and making merry in his study in broad daylight.

"The young marquis has arrived?"

Hearing footsteps, Zhao Li, slightly drunk, called out, "Come sit down..."

He then beckoned to the concubine on his right: "You, go and pour a cup for the young marquis as well."

The concubine smiled charmingly and was about to step forward.

Ren Fengjue immediately raised his hand: "No need to come over."

Faced with deliberate disdain and indifference, he remained calm and simply said, "I didn't expect Your Highness to be in such high spirits during the day."

Zhao Li ignored the veiled meaning in his words, took a sip from the concubine's hand, and lazily asked, "Young Marquis said there's been progress in the Fu Lou case, but what have you found out?"

Ren Fengjue bowed respectfully, yet remained composed and dignified: "The case has been investigated and found to be related to the previous dynasty."

Upon hearing the words "former dynasty," Zhao Li indeed paused.

The atmosphere around them froze.

"The previous dynasty?"

The Crown Prince's voice inexplicably carried a chilling undertone: "Ren Fengjue, do you know what you're saying?"

Ren Fengjue smiled slightly, "It seems Your Highness... is not drunk."

Realizing the other party was deliberately testing him, Zhao Li's narrow eyes immediately narrowed, and then his tone changed.

"Young Master, you're joking. If you were drunk, you wouldn't have been summoned here."

"I mentioned inviting you for drinks earlier because I felt... given our friendship, you could feel free to do whatever you want."

After saying this, he waved to the side, and two concubines immediately came out of the study.

While subtly observing the other party's expression, Ren Fengjue sat down and said, "Since you promised to give His Highness an explanation last night, you must do so impartially and without any ambiguity."

"The reason I say it is related to the previous dynasty is because... I heard an anecdote about the previous dynasty yesterday in the streets."

"Oh?"

Zhao Li was clearly observing him. "Tell me about it."

"Rumor has it that the previous emperor had nine sons..."

As if telling a story, Ren Fengjue spoke slowly and deliberately: "Among the princes, the struggle for the position of crown prince has stirred up quite a storm in the court."

"Among them, the Ninth Prince was deeply favored by the Emperor. Although he was the youngest son, he was far more resourceful and insightful than his older brothers."

"However, historically, the position of crown prince has always been reserved for the eldest son of the emperor. If the eldest son is incompetent..."

Upon hearing the words "the eldest son is incompetent," the muscles at the corner of Zhao Li's mouth twitched slightly.

A cold glint flashed in those narrow eyes.

Like a sharp blade in the cold night.

Ren Fengjue observed this without showing any emotion, and continued to emphasize his point, saying, "Since the eldest son is incompetent, the emperor will choose another candidate from among the other princes..."

"The eldest prince felt threatened and feared that the position of crown prince would fall into the hands of his brothers, so he did not hesitate to secretly plot against them and harm his own siblings."

"He had a very good plan. He thought that as long as his younger brothers were no longer a threat to him, he could secure his position as crown prince."

"Unexpectedly, a sudden palace coup caused turmoil both inside and outside the court, and before long, the throne changed hands."

"But strangely, this eldest prince, who had harmed his own brothers, suddenly vanished as if he had evaporated into thin air!"

"Some say that he has already fled the capital, changed his name and identity, and is living the life of an ordinary person."

"Some people say that he actually died during that palace coup, and his body was secretly disposed of by the emperor."

"And his burial place is right around the Fu Lou!"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Li's expression shifted between light and shadow, but he asked in a low voice, "What connection does this baseless rumor have with Fu Lou?"

"Of course."

Ren Fengjue's tone also turned colder: "Because just last night, I did find a male skeleton in a secret room at the foot of Fu Lou."

"Perhaps the skeletons inside the Tongtian Pavilion were killed by the ghost of this very skeleton?"

Zhao Li abruptly stood up, his eyes icy, his tone even more absurd: "Young Master Ren, your words are becoming increasingly ridiculous!"

"Unable to find the culprit, they're blaming ghosts?"

Ren Fengjue raised the corners of his lips and suddenly smiled, "As I just said, these are just some hearsay and anecdotes. They must have been made up by those storytellers in the teahouse. Don't believe them."

"but--"

His expression turned solemn, his tone light yet carrying a sense of oppression: "The remains inside Fu Lou are indeed real, and there have been rumors in the capital that His Highness the Crown Prince is the mastermind behind Fu Lou. Doesn't Your Highness have anything to say about this?"

"It's just a rumor. Young Master, isn't it easy for you to find out who's behind this Fu Tower?"

"When the building was first constructed, there must have been a document from the Ministry of Works, which would have listed the name of the person in charge. This information could be easily verified."

Zhao Li spoke as if it were the most natural thing in the world, but his face was full of arrogance. However, his right hand was tapping the table lightly with his fingers, which showed that his thoughts were also in disarray.

"As for the connection between me and Fu Lou, it's not complicated."

"It's because I developed a chronic condition a year ago, and I get headaches every now and then."

"It just so happens that Manager Bai of Fu Lou is skilled in a method that specifically treats headaches, which is why I went to Tongtian Pavilion twice."

"As for sending you the plaque, it was simply because I found the restaurant elegant and unique, and the wine particularly sweet, so I did you a favor for Manager Bai. Surely you wouldn't suspect me?"

His explanation somehow managed to absolve him of all responsibility.

Ren Fengjue did not refute, but only said, "The Ministry of Works has already investigated. The person who built the building was a businessman from out of town, and he died a year ago."

"Manager Bai disappeared last night. Since the Crown Prince is unaware of this, it seems that only by finding her can the case be solved."

-

After Ren Fengjue entered the study to see the Crown Prince, the chief steward of the Eastern Palace took good care of the "servant" who accompanied her, and led her directly to the adjacent pavilion to rest.

However, when the eunuch returned after pouring the tea, the room was already empty.

After entering the East Palace, Xia Ximo felt a chilling aura permeating the area.

Guided by the spirit of the lamp, Wuyou, she arrived at the entrance to a place called "Qianqiu Garden".

At this moment, looking around, the garden is full of flowers and trees, exuding a dignified air in this deep winter season.

Before even entering the park, Wuyou couldn't help but float out.

"The feeling here is very similar to that secret room from last night. Could it be that all those evil spirits have come here?"

As it spoke, it quickly floated to her shoulder and peered around.

"You must protect me, I've heard that evil spirits eat the souls of the dead."

"If you're scared, hide in the light."

Xia Ximo gave a cold order and then walked straight inside.