Page 461

The two wet nurses recalled the events that occurred this morning, and although they came across a few people, what left the deepest impression on them was Shuiyao because she was coaxing the little masters with flowers.

The more the wet nurses thought something was off, the more hastily they left the room to inform His Highness.

At this moment, inside the Study Room,

"The wet nurses took the small masters only to the garden to play today, without going anywhere else. There have been quite a few maids and servants coming and going. Upon investigation, someone saw that Concubine Xue’s maid Shuiyao had approached the small masters," Qin Xiao reported respectfully the results of the entire day’s investigation.

When Xiao Jinyan heard about Concubine Xue, his brows furrowed. He was aware of Concubine Xue’s intentions; if she sent someone to poison the Taosu, the likelihood was high.

Yet, under the watchful eyes of many, placing poisonous insects on the Taosu’s body was not an easy task.

"Go check on Concubine Xue."

Qin Xiao bowed with lowered eyes, "As you command."

Just as Xiao Jinyan stood up to leave, Weichi came in with a clasped fist to report, "Master, the wet nurses request an audience."

Xiao Jinyan paused in his movement, then sat down again, instructing, "Let them come in."

Not long after Weichi left, he led the wet nurses in, who had been scared by the day’s events and entered cautiously.

"Your Highness, this servant recalled that Concubine Xue’s maid came to amuse the little masters today."

"Your Highness, others passed by during that period, but it was that Shuiyao who brought flowers to make the little masters happy. This servant always felt there was something wrong," said the wet nurses nervously.

Xiao Jinyan guessed by now that Shuiyao might have used the act of bringing flowers to smuggle the poisonous insects onto Taosu, and consequently, the wet nurses and little Jiu also got infected.

A fury like never before rose in his eyes, and he stood up, walked around the desk, and strode out.

Weichi and Qin Xiao exchanged a glance before quickly following him.

The wet nurses were startled by Xiao Jinyan’s stern demeanor and were slow to react.

It was already time to light the lamps.

Xiao Jinyan, burning with anger, arrived at Qimeng Hall.

Upon hearing the report from her maid that Xiao Jinyan had arrived, the Empress was overjoyed.

"His Highness has finally come to Qimeng Hall. Shuiyao, look at my makeup, is it smeared?"

Shuiyao complimented with a smile, "Your Highness, with your natural grace and beauty, a light touch of makeup makes you incomparable. His Highness will certainly stay at Qimeng Hall tonight."

Upon hearing this, the Empress was even more delighted, and after a slight touch-up, she went out to greet Xiao Jinyan with a bow.

"His Highness, may peace and prosperity be upon you."

Xiao Jinyan swept a cold glance at the Empress in front of him and her maid Shuiyao behind her, holding back the fury in his heart from erupting right then and there.

"Everyone, rise."

The Empress straightened up, her face beaming with a smile as she looked at Xiao Jinyan, "Thank you, Your Highness. It’s time for dinner, shall we eat together?"

Xiao Jinyan glanced at her exquisite face and felt an intense revulsion. He withdrew his gaze and made an "Mhm" sound.

The Empress joyfully ordered Shuiyao, "Quickly bring the meal."

Shuiyao went to the small kitchen with a smile, bringing back the prepared wine along with the meal to the table.

Being a princess of her country, the Empress, although limited to a certain allowance for food, spent money to ensure her consumption and usage were better than others’, barely inferior to that of the Crown Princess.

The Empress picked up a jug and filled Xiao Jinyan’s cup with wine.

Xiao Jinyan watched the Empress’s actions with indifference, not stopping her.

The Empress, with a shy and timid demeanor, introduced, "Your Highness, this wine was brought by your servant from Xueyue. In Xueyue Country, only a married couple can share this wine. Your servant has always kept it, wishing to share it with Your Highness."

Xiao Jinyan responded with a cold warning, "The wife of this palace is the Crown Princess. Concubine Xue must remember her present status at all times and not overstep her bounds."

The Empress was taken aback, her hands gripping her sleeve tightly on her knees, full of resentment inside. She was just fostering a little romance; was it necessary to take it so seriously? Who knows who will truly become the Empress in the future?

After venting internally for a moment, she humbly admitted her mistake on the surface, "It is your servant’s bluntness. Your Highness, please do not be angry; your servant will bear it in mind."

Xiao Jinyan listened to the Empress’s improper thoughts, and a mocking sneer curled at the corner of his lips. Such grand ambition. Empress? You think you’re worthy?

The Empress eyed the meal before her, not wanting to waste this perfect opportunity to wait upon him in his sleep.

She picked up the chopsticks, not sure which dishes Xiao Jinyan liked, and selected a common dish, Snow Cedar Fish, placing it in Xiao Jinyan’s bowl.

"Your Highness, I’ve tried this fish several times already; it has an exceptionally delicious taste. Please try it," she said.

Xiao Jinyan glanced at the fish before him. How could he have any appetite at this moment, especially while sitting opposite a woman who repulsed him?