Chapter 442: Retrieving the National Fortune

Chapter 442: Retrieving the National Fortune

Qiangwei Courtyard.

Dou Qingyi was shocked upon hearing that the Crown Prince had brought back a woman, and it took her a while to regain her composure.

Didn't the Crown Prince go to the palace today?

How could he bring back a woman? If the imperial decree for the royal wedding hasn't arrived at the Crown Prince's Mansion, then it must have been intercepted.

This also explains why Eunuch Zhen fled earlier; there must have been a change in the royal wedding plans.

Dou Qingyi clenched her fist and instructed her personal maid, "Hui Zhi, go find Manager Jia and ask him to investigate what happened."

"Yes, ma'am."

The personal maid named Hui Zhi left to carry out the task.

Manager Jia had been beaten with a board a few days ago and was currently recuperating in his room.

When Hui Zhi found him and informed him about the Crown Prince bringing back a woman and the change in the royal wedding plans, he was even more surprised than Dou Qingyi.

"He brought back another one?"

Manager Jia found the Crown Prince bringing back a second woman more absurd than the obstruction of the royal wedding.

Having served the Crown Prince for many years, he never knew the Crown Prince to be so romantic.

"Alright, I'll go ask."

Manager Jia, still feeling the lingering pain in his buttocks, limped off to gather information.

As the manager of the mansion, he was well-informed about everything that happened within, and even had connections with the skilled personnel in the palace.

Half an hour later, he hobbled his way to Qiangwei Courtyard.

"Greetings, madam."

He bowed respectfully.

Having spent the past few days recuperating and not working, he had gained some weight.

Dou Qingyi gave him a sidelong glance and said gently, "Manager Jia, there's no need for such formality. Come in, please."

Manager Jia smiled awkwardly, "Thank you, madam, but I'll stand."

Dou Qingyi remembered that he had been beaten with a board not long ago and sighed, "It's my fault for being careless."

Manager Jia smiled, "Madam, you've been busy managing the Crown Prince's and the Marquis's affairs. I wouldn't dare trouble you with trivial matters."

Dou Qingyi said, "Manager Jia, please don't beat around the bush with me. What did you find out about the woman the Crown Prince brought back? Is she from a particular family? Did one of the palace ladies bestow her upon the Crown Prince?"

This was the only possibility Dou Qingyi could think of.

Someone in the palace must have set their sights on the Crown Princess position and influenced His Majesty.

"Well..."

Manager Jia hesitated.

Dou Qingyi urged, "Just tell me, there's nothing to hide."

This time, it was Manager Jia's turn to sigh, "To be honest, I couldn't find out the woman's background either. She's definitely not from the palace, and it's unrelated to the imperial family. However..."

Dou Qingyi's eyebrows furrowed, "However what?"

Manager Jia replied, "However, she seems to have some connection with Young Master Lin Yuan. It appears... that she's Young Master Lin Yuan's mother."

Dou Qingyi clenched her handkerchief tightly, "The Crown Prince's old acquaintance?"

Manager Jia smiled awkwardly, "I'm not sure about that, madam."

As the manager, he wasn't a scout; how could he possibly uncover someone's background so quickly?

He observed Dou Qingyi's expression and carefully said, "Additionally, there's another matter..."

Dou Qingyi urged, "Speak!"

Manager Jia could sense her anger, but as a man, he didn't quite understand what could have upset her.

It wasn't unusual for a man to have three wives and four concubines, especially since the master was the Crown Prince. Why would she be angry about the Crown Prince having another woman?

"Madam, please don't be angry."

Because there was something even more infuriating to come.

"His Majesty has rescinded the decree."

"Which decree?"

"The royal wedding decree."

To be precise, it was the decree to appoint Dou Qingyi as the Crown Princess.

Whether another woman would be appointed in the future was uncertain.

Dou Qingyi had guessed correctly about one thing.

The palace ladies were extremely envious of the Crown Princess position, each hoping to marry their family member into the Crown Prince's Mansion.

Dou Qingyi's face paled, "Why?"

Manager Jia replied, "I don't know, madam."

Dou Qingyi felt as if all her energy had been drained.

She had been eagerly awaiting the Crown Princess position for so long, and the decree had already been issued, only awaiting the announcement. Yet, His Majesty had rescinded the decree.

Why?

Why on earth?

Could it be that the Crown Prince pleaded with His Majesty for the sake of that woman?

Or did that ill-mannered young Lin Yuan put something in His Majesty's eyes?

Why did she always miss out on the Crown Princess position?

Dou Qingyi suppressed her anger and forced a displeasing smile, "The first time it was Lin Yuan, and this time, it's because of his mother. I'm curious, who exactly is this woman to the Crown Prince?"

Manager Jia looked at her eerie smile, and his scalp went numb.

When women became jealous, they were truly terrifying!

---

This time, the information brought by the falcon was exchanged for three pieces of dried meat.

Three pieces! That gossip-mongering dog man only got two pieces even when he played dead!

The falcon concluded: Dog men are not worth much!

Meng Qianqian only knew that Liu Qingyun was in the Crown Prince's Mansion, but she couldn't confirm if it was voluntary or if she had been abducted, as Lu Yuan was in the palace and had no idea that Liu Qingyun had come to the Imperial City.

Meng Qianqian decided to visit the Crown Prince's Mansion.

Tan'er said, "I want to go too!"

Meng Qianqian whispered, "You're Wu You's maid. You can come along and mooch off me, but if you really go missing, it'll raise suspicions. Besides, I need you to cover for me."

Tan'er thought for a moment, "Okay!"

"Good girl."

Meng Qianqian curved her lips into a smile, "I'll bring you back some candied hawthorn."

Tan'er held up her finger, "Two!"

"Okay."

Meng Qianqian agreed with a smile.

After nightfall, Meng Qianqian changed into her night clothes and left with the eagle from Yan Madam's courtyard.

Gongsun Ziyu had just returned from outside and was passing by the small garden when she suddenly caught a glimpse of an extremely fast figure.

Having grown up in Qianji Pavilion, she was very familiar with their light body techniques.

The person's movements were clearly not from their sect.

She immediately became alert, "Who's there?"

The figure didn't respond.

She quickly drew her whip and rushed into the small garden.

But by the time she got there, the figure had slipped away again.

"Well, well, a daring little thief, daring to sneak into Qianji Pavilion? This young lady will catch you today and skin you alive!"

Gongsun Ziyu chased after the figure's movements and was about to reach the compound wall when she finally caught sight of the person.

They were climbing over the wall.

"Trying to escape?"

Gongsun Ziyu lashed her whip, pulling the figure down.

"Ouch!"

Tan'er let out a shrill scream and removed the whip coiled around her waist with her silver-threaded gloves.

"Phew, good thing I have Sister's protective armor."

Before Tan'er entered Qianji Pavilion, Meng Qianqian had given her the soft armor made of silk from Liu Muyan.

Gongsun Ziyu said coldly, "It's you? What are you sneaking around for?"

Tan'er humphed, "Want to report me?"

Gongsun Ziyu gave a cold hum, "Climbing over the wall in the middle of the night, I bet you're up to no good."

"Tan'er!"

Suddenly, Shang Wuyou's voice came from not too far away.

In the moonlight, the young man's figure was tall and slender, like a pine or bamboo tree, and he approached with an indifferent expression.

Gongsun Ziyu spoke to Shang Wuyou with annoyance, "Gongsun Wu You, your maid is climbing over the wall in the middle of the night. I want to see how you'll explain this time."

Shang Wuyou looked at Tan'er, "Where are you going?"

Tan'er hugged her arms and said boldly, "To buy candied hawthorn!"

Gongsun Ziyu questioned, "Can't you buy candied hawthorn by going through the main entrance?"

Tan'er retorted, "I'm just a maid. If I go through the main entrance, will they let me in?"

Shang Wuyou said, "If you want to go out, just let me know. Do you want to go now?"

"No! I can't eat it!"

Tan'er finished angrily, stomped her feet, and walked away in a huff!

Shang Wuyou turned to Gongsun Ziyu, "Second Sister."

"Don't call me Second Sister!"

Gongsun Ziyu said coldly and walked away with an icy expression.

Shang Wuyou sighed, turned, and chased after Tan'er.

"Who were you covering for just now? Was it that woman again?"

Tan'er looked up at the sky, "I don't understand!"

Shang Wuyou scoffed, "It seems like it was her."

"Hey!"

Tan'er stopped and stood with her hands on her waist, staring at him seriously, "If you dare reveal Sister's whereabouts, I'll kill you!"

Shang Wuyou said expressionlessly, "I'm not interested in her affairs."

Tan'er pouted and continued walking, "You better not get involved!"

Shang Wuyou, puzzled, said, "She's not related to you, but since you have some skills, she bought you from the slave traders. Why are you so devoted to her?"

Tan'er said stubbornly, "I like her. Don't interfere!"

Shang Wuyou humphed, "You like her, and Chang Le likes her too. I wonder what kind of love potion she gave you both?"

Tan'er tilted her head, "I'm sick, and Sister has the medicine!"

Shang Wuyou asked hurriedly, "What's wrong with you?"

Tan'er turned and glared at him, "The sickness of wanting to kill!"

Shang Wuyou: "..."

On her way back to the courtyard, Gongsun Ziyu felt something was amiss. Shang Wuyou had always indulged that stubborn maid. If she wanted to buy candied hawthorn, she could have just asked, and someone would have bought it for her. Why would she need to climb over the wall in the middle of the night?

She changed her course and headed towards Xiao Rong Er's courtyard, only to be informed that Xiao Rong Er was at Gongsun Liuying's place.

"Mother! Sister!"

As soon as Gongsun Ziyu reached the door, she was stopped by Hongxiu, Xiao Rong Er's personal maid.

Hongxiu spoke softly, "Second Young Miss, the Lady and the Eldest Miss are discussing important matters and cannot be disturbed."

Gongsun Ziyu pouted, "What matters could I not hear?"

Hongxiu glanced at the tightly shut door with her peripheral vision and smiled, "The Eldest Miss is practicing her needle techniques."

"I want to learn too!"

Gongsun Ziyu tried to push the door open.

Hongxiu stepped sideways, blocking her path, "Second Young Miss, you can't today. It's the Lady's order."

Gongsun Ziyu could whip anyone, except for Hongxiu.

Hongxiu was her mother's trusted confidant and held her mother's favor.

(End of Chapter)

Gongsun Ziyu spoke with dissatisfaction, "Qianji Pavilion has a traitor!"

Hongxiu didn't move.

Gongsun Ziyu was certain she couldn't enter, and couldn't help but feel puzzled, "What could be more important than catching a traitor?"

Inside the room.

Gongsun Liuying's hand holding the silver needle trembled slightly as she carefully located the acupoints on a wooden dummy, her forehead glistening with tiny beads of sweat.

"It's still not right!"

She relaxed her grip, and her hand holding the needle dropped onto the table, "Mother, I can't hold the needle steadily."

Xiao Rong Er's eyes flashed with a hint of shock and concern, "Is it because you're busy with the wedding preparations and also treating patients at Safehaven Hospital? Are you overworked?"

Gongsun Liuying shook her head, panting as she replied, "I don't know."

Xiao Rong Er's gaze fell on her wrist, and after a moment, she turned to look at the third person in the room, "Elder You, please take a look at Liuying."

"Yes, Madam."

Elder You stepped forward and addressed Xiao Rong Er and Gongsun Liuying, "Young Miss."

Gongsun Liuying extended her wrist to him.

He took her pulse and examined her bones, "No bone fractures, no internal injuries."

Gongsun Liuying herself was also well-versed in medicine, and she already knew what Elder You had just said.

Apart from medicine, Elder You also possessed a unique skill in poison arts, which was why Xiao Rong Er had invited him.

After checking her pulse, Elder You pricked Gongsun Liuying's finger and collected a few drops of blood into a jade bottle.

"There are no signs of poisoning or gu poison."

Although Gongsun Liuying was born prematurely, as Heaven's Chosen Daughter, she had rarely been ill since childhood. Yet, now she inexplicably experienced hand tremors.

As the heir of the Thirteen Ghost Gates Needles, her hands were her weapons, and any mishap was unacceptable.

"It might not be a medical issue," Elder You said, "With the wedding approaching, Young Miss might be overly nervous. Such cases are not uncommon, especially among women. After the wedding, when your mood settles, the symptoms will likely disappear."

Gongsun Liuying's expression relaxed, "I hope so."

As she spoke, she turned to look at Xiao Rong Er, but noticed her seeming distracted, "Mother, what's wrong?"

Xiao Rong Er snapped out of her thoughts and smiled, "Oh, it's nothing. I heard what Elder You said, and I think you've been working too hard lately, so nervous that you're not even aware of it. A daughter's marriage is different from a man's. You're leaving Qianji Pavilion to go to another family. Not to mention your nervousness, but my heart is also in turmoil, fearing you might be wronged in the Crown Prince's Mansion."

Gongsun Liuying reassured her, "Daughter won't be wronged."

Xiao Rong Er smiled, "That's right, the Crown Princess is one of us."

She believed her daughter would be fine.

As Heaven's Chosen Daughter, her daughter's destiny was unchangeable.

---

The falcon had been a small spy in the Crown Prince's Mansion for several days, and it knew the layout of the place like the back of its hand.

It led Meng Qianqian perfectly, avoiding the patrolling guards and smoothly entering an uninhabited courtyard.

Then, it flew to the main courtyard, pulling on Liu Qingyun's sleeve.

Liu Qingyun understood and let it lead the way.

As soon as they left the main courtyard, Liu Qingyun unexpectedly encountered Dou Qingyi.

Dou Qingyi had come to meet the Crown Prince.

Dressed in plain clothes, she exuded an otherworldly beauty, untouched by the mortal world.

This stunning appearance might be a fatal temptation for men, but in Liu Qingyun's eyes, it meant nothing.

Liu Qingyun glanced at her, ensuring they didn't collide, and then walked away without saying a word.

In the brief moment when they passed each other, the gentle evening breeze lifted Dou Qingyi's veil.

Dou Qingyi caught a glimpse of that breathtakingly beautiful face.

Memories flashed back, and her breath caught in her throat.

This was a face of timeless beauty, not just heavenly but a true celestial beauty, unforgettable for a lifetime.

"You—"

Dou Qingyi instinctively turned around, her gaze following Liu Qingyun's figure.

Liu Qingyun heard her voice and looked back curiously, "I didn't bump into you."

Then, without turning back, she left again.

Dou Qingyi's body trembled.

Hui Zhi quickly supported her, "Madam, are you alright?"

Dou Qingyi covered her heart, her whole body shaking, "It's her..."

Hui Zhi asked, "Does Madam know her?"

It was more than just knowing her.

Dou Qingyi gently caressed her face, and buried memories resurfaced.

"What's your name?"

"I... I'm called Qingqing."

"Why do you always keep your head down?"

"Miss, please don't look."

"I thought it was something else. I have a younger sister who was born like you, but I healed her face."

"You... are you telling the truth? Can you really heal my face? If you cure me, I'll be forever grateful, even if it means serving you like an ox or a horse!"

"When traveling in the martial world, you can't use your real name. Let me give you a new name, Qingyi."

---

End of Chapter

Chapter end