Even the crown prince is getting a marriage of convenience? Why are you in such a hurry to stop bein

The emperor didn't have much suspicion about Fu Hai to begin with. Fu Hai was merely supervising the matter on his orders and couldn't interfere. It would be no easy task for him to tamper with so many prepared medicines.

He summoned people merely to test the waters, and seeing Fuhai crying so miserably and wretchedly, the emperor's suspicions immediately dissipated.

He sighed softly, "But you claim to be innocent, without any evidence. How can I believe you, and how can the court officials believe you?"

Fu Hai was stunned. Realizing that this was his chance to live, he kowtowed three more times to the ground.

"Your Majesty, please rest assured. Please entrust this matter to this old servant. Within half a month, this old servant will surely get to the bottom of this matter."

The emperor's eyes narrowed slightly, a chilling glint in them. "Half a month?"

Fu Hai shuddered, lowered his voice, and tentatively asked, "How about seven days?"

The emperor gave a cold snort, "In this critical moment, how can you delay? I'm giving you five days. If you can't find out the truth, then bring me your head."

Fu Hai trembled and knelt on the ground, not daring to say a word.

After he left, De Shun watched his retreating figure and couldn't help but sigh softly.

"Your Majesty intended to spare his life, so why did you have to speak so harshly and threaten him?"

Such intimidation would probably make Fuhai sick.

"Hmph, if he doesn't even have this much courage, he shouldn't be working under me. What I need are capable people who can get things done, not lazy bums who hold positions without doing anything. If I don't put some pressure on him, I'm afraid he'll just keep getting by."

Having spent so long immersed in the intricacies of the palace, how could one be willing to work diligently? All one could do was seek self-preservation. It seems the emperor had long harbored resentment towards Fuhai and was simply looking for an opportunity to launch a rebellion.

I fear that if he sees through this sooner, he will offend the emperor.

Thinking of this, De Shun casually echoed.

"Your Majesty is right; this old servant was simply too naive."

"However, this matter is of great importance. Is it insufficient to let Fuhai investigate alone? After all, Fuhai was only in charge of the supervision that day and did not go into the details. If he investigates now, I'm afraid he will be like a headless fly and will not be able to find any clues."

De Shun was deeply worried. "This old servant is not trying to exonerate Fu Hai, but I am concerned that he is incompetent and has delayed His Majesty's important affairs."

The emperor nodded. "You're right."

The following day, the emperor used this incident as a pretext to severely punish those responsible, determined to muddy the waters. This action caused a great uproar in the court and left Xiao Lie completely baffled.

Could it be that the emperor was completely unaware and that I had wronged him?

As the news spread throughout Kyoto, it also reached the backyard of the Prince Kang's residence and the western garden of the Duke of Zhenguo's residence.

Upon hearing this news, Lin Wan'er stroked her chin and pondered for a long time, then murmured to herself.

"Why does this sound so familiar, like I've heard it somewhere before? Limbs are limp and weak, unable to use internal energy, persistent high fever... What are these symptoms...?"

Chunxue listened to her mutterings, not understanding their meaning, and became increasingly confused.

"Miss, what are you talking about? The poisoning of border troops is unprecedented since the founding of the nation. Why does this sound familiar?"

Lin Wan'er shook her head and gestured to stop her from speaking. After a long while, her eyes gradually brightened.

"Go to the Crown Prince now and tell him that I have news of this matter."

Lin Wan'er was dumbfounded, and a sense of panic washed over her.

"Miss, you can't say things like that carelessly. What if you can't explain yourself clearly? And the young master might even suspect you."

Lin Wan'er frowned, annoyed by her nagging. She glanced at her and said, "Am I the young lady, or are you? Hurry up and do as I say!"

Upon hearing this, Chunxue dared not delay and had no choice but to do as she was told.

Upon hearing this, Xiao Lie indeed arrived at the West Garden without stopping. He sat down there, his gaze icy and his voice low and somber.

"I hope you didn't call me here to make fun of me, otherwise I..."

Lin Wan'er smiled smugly, "If I'm just spouting nonsense, the young master can punish me as he sees fit. But if I'm right and it helps the young master, could the young master grant me one request?"

What do you want?

"Let me out..."

"The imperial edict orders you to reflect on your mistakes for three years."

Lin Wan'er gave a cold laugh. "One thing at a time. The imperial decree only orders me to reflect on my actions for three years, but you want to imprison me for life. I won't make things difficult for you. As long as I help you this time, we can call it even, how about that?"

Xiao Lie narrowed his eyes slightly, as if he was thinking. Lin Wan'er was a little scared by his gaze, but she still straightened her body and put on a dignified and fearless appearance. After a long while, Xiao Lie nodded slightly.

"It depends on your performance. If you can really help me, I can agree to your request. If you can't..."

Lin Wan'er shuddered, but still managed to maintain her composure and force a smile.

"Your Highness need not worry. Since I have said this, I am not speaking carelessly."

Lin Wan'er asked him to investigate the major epidemic in the army three years ago in Ruian.

This happened more than twenty years ago. For many of the older officials in the court, it was a distant memory, and even more unfamiliar to Xiao Lie. He only understood it after he found out the relevant information.

These two things, apart from the different names, presented almost identical situations, which made Xiao Lie even more suspicious.

"Since that happened more than twenty years ago, how could you possibly know?"

Lin Wan'er snorted disdainfully, "The preparation of supplies involves multiple departments. My father was just starting out in officialdom at the time, and he was involved in this matter. As his daughter, what's so surprising about me knowing about it?"

Seeing his drastic change in attitude, Lin Wan'er knew she had made the right bet, and she mustered her courage.

"These two things are probably related. How about this, you let me out for now, and I'll try to find out more for you?"

Xiao Lie was tempted. Lin Wan'er was almost going crazy from being locked up here. Afraid that Xiao Lie wouldn't believe her, she quickly held up three fingers to assure him.

"Your Highness, please trust me one more time. This time, I promise I won't resort to any underhanded tactics."

"Ha, I knew you wouldn't dare."

Xiao Lie was skeptical. On the surface, he seemed to agree to her request, but in reality, he did not let his guard down. After returning to his Qingfeng Garden, he ordered his guards to keep a close watch on Lin Wan'er and report immediately if she made any unusual moves.

……

Upon learning of the poisoning of the soldiers on the border, Shen Qinglan was greatly surprised and immediately sent Yunxiu to inquire about it.

Word of mouth can only reveal the symptoms of poisoning, which is not enough to prescribe the right medicine. Therefore, Shen Qinglan had to ask her father to try to obtain more information.

Yunxiu ran back, panting, and handed over a short message.

Shen Qinglan glanced at it briefly and understood most of it.

Upon receiving his daughter's letter, Grand Tutor Shen immediately managed to obtain a wound medicine laced with poison from the Imperial Hospital. He also swallowed his pride and asked another renowned physician to examine it, whereupon they discovered the poison, "Bone-Rotting Powder."

This substance is tasteless and colorless, and is extremely peculiar. It only causes headaches, fever, and even dizziness in the days leading up to it.