The Prince of Mu was reclining against the headboard of the bed, his raven - black hair cascading down. With half of his face shrouded in shadow, he looked extremely vulnerable, as if a gentle push would shatter him like a porcelain vase.
When summoned by the Prince of Mu again, the Prince of Xuan showed no sign of discomfort on his face. Instead, he inquired with concern, "Uncle, do you feel better now?"
"Why don't you rest more, Uncle?" The Prince of Ning also expressed his concern for the Prince of Mu.
"Cough, cough." The Prince of Mu coughed lightly. "I've made you two worried. My health is really deteriorating."
"Uncle, don't say that. You're still in your prime. With proper care, you'll surely recover," the Prince of Xuan consoled.
The Prince of Mu shook his head with a smile. "I know my own body well. I'm just a spent force."
Then, straightening his expression, he said, "I've summoned you here to give you some instructions. The Crown Prince is still missing. We have a heavy responsibility and mustn't slack off for a moment."
"I originally intended to follow Bu Hua's clues to find the Crown Prince as soon as possible. But as you can see, I'm afraid I'm more willing than able. From now on, I'll have to entrust this task to you two."
The Prince of Xuan and the Prince of Ning exchanged a glance and nodded. "We'll follow Uncle's arrangements."
"Cough, cough, cough. Prince of Xuan, you'll lead a team to search the surrounding villages for clues." After a brief pause, he continued, "Prince of Ning, you'll investigate the case of the Crown Prince's attack. You two will act separately and mustn't overlook any details."
"Of course, I'm not going to be completely idle. You two must come and report to me every two days. Do you understand?"
Although the Prince of Mu's voice sounded increasingly weak, neither of them dared to show the slightest sign of disrespect. They both nodded. "We understand. Uncle, just rest in peace."
After giving his instructions, the Prince of Mu waved his hand, signaling them to leave.
Xiao Yixuan and Xiao Wuchen walked one after the other along the corridor. For some reason, Xiao Yixuan turned back to look at Xiao Wuchen. The latter was taken aback and asked, "Second Brother, what's wrong?"
Xiao Yixuan didn't answer but just stared deeply at Xiao Wuchen.
For Xiao Wuchen, being entrusted with the task of investigating the Crown Prince's attack was undoubtedly a chance to prove himself. If he handled it well and found the mastermind behind the scenes, he was bound to be rewarded by their father after returning to the capital.
"Nothing. I'm just worried about Uncle's illness," Xiao Yixuan replied.
Xiao Wuchen hesitated for a moment and looked at Xiao Yixuan as if he wanted to say something but held back.
Noticing that he had something to say, Xiao Yixuan led him into his room. "It's just the two of us here. You can speak your mind."
"I just find it strange," Xiao Wuchen said. "Uncle's health is already poor and he's not fit for a long journey. Why did he volunteer to take charge of this case and come south for the investigation? Isn't he afraid of something happening to him on the way?"
Xiao Yixuan had actually thought about this question too.
Although the Prince of Mu, Xiao Tianchi, was in poor health, no one in the entire Sheng Kingdom dared to underestimate him. In the past, when he was uninjured, he was a brave and skilled warrior who had solved several unjust cases.
He said, "The Crown Prince learned military strategies and battle formations directly from Uncle. Their bond is special. Now that the Crown Prince is missing, Uncle is naturally extremely anxious. There's nothing strange about it."
Xiao Wuchen nodded and lowered his head slightly. "Uncle has entrusted me with the task of investigating the Crown Prince's attack, but I've never handled such an important task alone. I'm afraid I won't be able to do it well. Please give me some guidance, Second Brother."
He showed great humility and spoke very respectfully. Xiao Yixuan began to give him some advice.
It was already half an hour later when Xiao Wuchen left Xiao Yixuan's room.
The room was very quiet. Xiao Yixuan picked up a golden spoon and stirred the wick of the oil lamp. His drooping eyelashes concealed the coldness in his eyes. The words the imperial concubine had whispered to him before he left echoed in his ears.
"The Crown Prince has been missing for so long. I'm afraid the odds are against him. You must seize this opportunity and show your abilities. The Queen has fallen out with your father and won't be able to give birth to another legitimate son. As long as you make contributions this time, with your father's favor, that position will surely be yours."
"However, with the heir - apparent position vacant, others may have their own agendas. The third prince is usually quiet and seems very honest, but the more honest a person appears, the more likely he is to be scheming. You must be on your guard against him to avoid being stabbed in the back."
Be on guard?
He wouldn't.
If the third prince wanted to prove himself, he'd give him the chance.
It was still uncertain who would emerge victorious.
It was already late at night. They had to set off the next day to search for the Crown Prince. Just as Xiao Yixuan was about to go to bed, something unexpected happened.
Xiao Yixuan stopped Bu Hua, who was looking extremely anxious and wanted to see the Prince of Mu, with Xiao Wuchen. Frowning, he said, "Uncle is unwell and has gone to bed. Before he went to sleep, he entrusted me with the task of finding the Crown Prince. General Bu, you can tell me what's going on."
Bu Hua said urgently, "The boot! The boot belonging to the Crown Prince that I picked up by the river is missing!"
Xiao Yixuan's face immediately changed. "What did you say? Have you searched thoroughly?"
Bu Hua nodded vigorously. "I've rummaged through every corner of the room, but the boot is still nowhere to be found!"
How could the boot just disappear out of the blue?
The Liuxiang Tower had been reserved by them. There were no other customers except their own people, so there was no possibility of it being taken by mistake.
The only loophole was that due to the Prince of Mu's serious illness, many local doctors had been invited to the tower for diagnosis and treatment today. The guards in the tower had slackened, allowing someone to take advantage of the situation.
Bu Hua clearly also thought of this problem. He immediately said, "It must be those country doctors invited to the tower today who are not honest! Your Highness, please give your instructions!"
Xiao Yixuan was about to say it was impossible, as the doctors had been watched by the Pei family's army the whole time and had no opportunity or reason to steal a shabby boot. But then a figure in a coarse - cloth dress flashed before his eyes, and his heart skipped a beat.
"That boot is crucial to the Crown Prince's safety. General Bu, you immediately assemble a troop of guards and follow me out for a search. Third Brother, you stay here and lead people to search all the rooms. Question the inn servants to see if you can find any clues."
Xiao Wuchen agreed. Soon, Xiao Yixuan led his men away.
...
In Qingyu Alley, Ye Wanmian was sleeping soundly with a fluffy yellow dog in her arms.
Suddenly, the yellow dog sleeping beside her twitched its ears slightly, opened its eyes, and stared coldly at the door.
Dogs have sensitive hearing. Amidst the noisy sounds, it heard a special set of footsteps. The dog sentries it had arranged outside also gave a warning.
Someone was approaching this small courtyard.