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Xiao Jinyan’s eyes paused, and after such a long time, there finally was news. He had thought it would be the same as before, with no clue to be found.

"Let him come in quickly."

After Qin Xiao withdrew, Shu Ying entered from outside, kneeling on one knee to salute, "Master."

Xiao Jinyan said, "Stand up and reply."

"Thank you, Master." Shu Ying stood up straight, reporting what he had found.

"I have gone to check for a long while, and almost no one in Nanzhao had ever heard of Feng Wuyou, until I passed through a remote village and heard an elder mention Feng Wuyou."

Xiao Jinyan inquired further, "Who is Feng Wuyou, does he know?"

"According to the elder, a plague suddenly broke out in Nanzhao Country several years ago, and after that, Feng Wuyou vanished. As for who she was, the elder always avoided discussing," Shu Ying replied with respect.

After hearing this, Xiao Jinyan grew even more curious about Feng Wuyou. What kind of person could disappear into thin air, causing Nanzhao Country to avoid any mention of them?

And who was that person in black?

"A sudden plague? Why hasn’t this palace ever heard about a plague erupting in Nanzhao Country? A plague is no trivial matter. It’s impossible for neighboring nations to be unaware of it."

"Your subordinate also finds it strange. Upon investigating from multiple sources, I found out that the plague was both fierce and fleeting, lasting only one day. There were no significant losses in Nanzhao Country, so the news did not spread," Shu Ying said.

Xiao Jinyan snorted coldly, "That’s even stranger. A plague that recedes within a day? Is that even a plague? What’s the difference from a rain shower?"

Shu Ying bowed his head, as he too was curious, but after asking around for a long time, he received the same answers.

Xiao Jinyan pondered for a long while, thinking of the painting in the secret compartment, the jade stone, and the words spoken by the person in black; he desired to know the truth behind them.

Years ago, he had sent people to investigate members of the Nanzhao Royal Family, and there was nobody with the surname Feng.

Shu Ying speculated, "Master, could it be possible that Feng Wuyou doesn’t actually exist?"

"If Feng Wuyou didn’t exist, how could this palace possess her portrait?" Xiao Jinyan recalled the person on the portrait, who bore some resemblance to Xiao Jiu; it might be a coincidence.

Shu Ying lowered his head, not knowing where to begin. Years ago, he found no clues, and although he was luckier this time with a slight clue, it seemed hardly useful.

Shu Ying had been away in Nanzhao for half a year and had grown much thinner, a testament to the hardships he must have endured.

Xiao Jinyan waved his hand, "You may go and rest."

"Thank you, Master." Shu Ying exited the Study Room.

Xiao Jinyan looked down at the memorial in his hand, actually having held no expectations for this investigation, but receiving this answer still left him somewhat disappointed.

The lost memories seemed to have no impact on him, yet the words of the person in black constantly reminded him that the lost memories were significant.

"Liu Xi."

Liu Xi, standing by the door, bowed and walked in, "Your Highness, what are your orders?"

Xiao Jinyan said, "Go call over Concubine Xu."

"Yes." Liu Xi took the order and left, turning towards Yixiang Hall.

Concubine Xu was idly staring at the small bell in her hand; it hadn’t rung in four months, equivalent to not having seen Jun Wuxian for that time.

He promised to say goodbye before leaving, but he left without a word.

Concubine Xu initially intended to leave the palace at the end of the year, but unable to part with Shen Chuwei and Lady Tao, she decided to postpone her departure until the coming spring.

One could always return home, but once leaving the palace, meeting again would be difficult.

When Liu Xi entered, bowed, and informed Concubine Xu that His Highness summoned her, she would normally have been overjoyed, taking great care to dress up for the meeting.

Now?

She uttered a faint "Hmm" and, waving her small handkerchief, followed Liu Xi to the Study Room.

Upon entering, Concubine Xu stepped forward and curtsied, "Endless peace and prosperity to Your Highness."

Xiao Jinyan lifted his head to look at Concubine Xu, noticing she had lost weight.

Concubine Xu had lost about ten pounds in these four months, which was exceedingly apparent. So much so, Xiao Jinyan couldn’t ignore it even if he wanted to.

"Rise and speak. This palace has a matter to discuss with you."

Concubine Xu had calmed down quite a bit compared to the arrogance she exhibited in the past three years.

"Your Highness, what matter do you wish to discuss with this concubine?"

Xiao Jinyan did not like to waste time. When it came to Concubine Xu, it was best to be direct.

"This palace wishes to meet the person in black. Do you have a way?"

Upon the mention of the person in black, Concubine Xu seemed slightly troubled. She shook her head, "Your Highness, this concubine has no way."

Xiao Jinyan paused for a moment, seemingly surprised by Concubine Xu’s response.

"Then how do you usually meet with the person in black? This palace does not believe you two have not met privately."