At the Qin Prince's Mansion at this moment...
"I wonder if Mei Zhilin is reliable. It's been two or three days, and there's still no movement."
In the study, Song Yu rarely closed his book, his tone full of skepticism toward Mei Zhilin.
When it came to matters that could strike at the Ping Prince's Mansion, he was always impatient.
"Father, we know Mei Zhilin's capabilities. He will surely uncover the origin of the pill," Song Shihuan said from the side, practicing calligraphy. "Besides, finding medicine requires a professional's touch."
Otherwise, relying solely on them—who knew nothing about medicine—would take an eternity.
"It's already May. The provincial exams begin in August."
The thought made Song Yu feel pressed for time, his heart tightening with urgency.
He had earned the title of xiucai, the lowest rank in the imperial examinations. Only after passing the provincial exams could he become a juren.
"Father, Shen Hua'er has been secured and is out of danger. Once we find the exact formula of the pill, we can compare it to Song Ling's symptoms," Song Shihuan set down her brush. "Rest assured, I will oversee this matter."
A crime like poisoning a prince—without solid evidence, Shen Hua'er would rather die than bear such a charge.
Thus, this case hinged on physical proof.
"Ah Huan, I fear you're exhausting yourself."
Song Yu walked over and gently pinched Song Shihuan's cheek. "Other girls your age in the capital are growing up carefree, doted on by their families."
"But you accompany me in preparing for the exams, helping me handle countless troubles. I brought you to the Qin Prince's Mansion so you could live better than I did as a child, yet..."
His hand was large enough to fully cradle her small face.
Song Shihuan affectionately nuzzled against his palm, softening his heart entirely.
"Father, I'm not suffering at all."
"You've changed so much for me, burying yourself in studies. If anything, I think you're the one enduring hardship."
Gazing at her, Song Yu found himself murmuring impulsively:
"Ah Huan, if anyone ever wrongs you—even if it's just in some absurd dream—I will personally avenge you."
Plop—
A scalding tear fell onto the back of his hand. Flustered, he asked, "Why are you crying?"
"Silly Father, who gets bullied in their dreams?"
......
At the Purple Palace Hall.
"Mei Zhilin, why have your visits to check my pulse been increasingly delayed lately?"
Named directly by Emperor Yuanyou, Mei Zhilin shuddered. "Your Majesty, forgive this humble servant."
"Enough. I’m not reprimanding you—just noting you look unwell." For long-serving retainers like Mei Zhilin, the Emperor was inclined to be lenient.
"This servant recently learned of a certain medicinal concoction and has been searching for its formula. Until it's found, my mind feels clawed at by kittens."
The Emperor chuckled. "Still the same old you. Very well, my health is sound. Go hunt for your medicine."
Mei Zhilin bowed hastily and scurried out, earning amused laughter from the Emperor.
Finally, after about ten days, Mei Zhilin traced the pill's origins.
"Your Highness, Young Mistress, this pill is a Miao Territory secret drug called the Life-Sacrifice Pill."
As the name implied, consuming it meant sacrificing one's life.
"It flourished in the Miao Territory decades ago before the Holy Maiden classified it as forbidden, barring its spread beyond their borders. The Madam of the Shen Family must have obtained one by chance."
Mei Zhilin clutched a prescription, his hands trembling visibly.
"Life-Sacrifice Pill?" Song Yu's eyes darkened. "Physician Mei, do you think Song Ling's symptoms matched this poison?"
Mei Zhilin knelt, swallowing hard. "This servant is ninety percent certain—Ping Prince was poisoned by it."
He remembered clearly: when the Prince's health suddenly failed, faint blood spots had appeared on his brow—though his pulse was already fading.
Back then, no traces of poison could be detected.
"The Miao informant confirmed victims develop brow blood spots before death, exactly like the Ping Prince."
Speaking these words chilled Mei Zhilin's blood.
When the deposed Empress gave birth to the Prince, he had waited outside the chamber.
Decades later, the Prince had died by poison.
Was this fate's design—or karmic retribution?
"Send someone to the outskirts at once—ask Bing Shi if he recalls blood spots on the Prince’s brow before death."
Song Yu issued the order without hesitation, then took the prescription.
"You've done well, Physician Mei."
"How does Your Highness intend to proceed?" Mei Zhilin looked up, voice quivering.
"I will petition His Majesty to exhume the body and reveal the truth to the world."
Exhume the body!
Mei Zhilin's pupils contracted sharply.
"Mei Zhilin, if the exhumation confirms poisoning, how certain are you that it was the Life-Sacrifice Pill?"
"One hundred percent."
......
That night, the heads of the Shen and Gu Families arrived at the Qin Prince's Mansion.
For the first time, Shen Mingwen and Gu Zheng sat together in the study, joined by Shen Qingping—all grave-faced.
"Third Brother, do you know why the Prince summoned General Gu and me?" Shen Mingwen couldn’t resist asking.
"It concerns a royal secret."
As Shen Qingping spoke, movement sounded outside. Song Yu entered with Song Shihuan.
"Greetings to Your Highness and the Young Mistress."
"Rise." Song Yu took the central seat, scanning the room before nodding to Liuxi.
"Liuxi, present the documents to Grand Tutor Shen and General Gu."
A paper detailing the Life-Sacrifice Pill's effects and Song Ling's death was handed over. After reading, both men paled.
"Mei Zhilin and Bing Shi have confirmed the brow blood spots. If we prove poisoning, Shen Hua'er’s guilt is sealed."
Song Yu cut straight to the point. "I will request His Majesty’s permission for exhumation. Your thoughts?"
Shen Mingwen and Gu Zheng froze momentarily before answering in unison:
"This subject Shen Mingwen supports Your Highness’ decision."
"This subject Gu Zheng supports Your Highness’ decision."
Even if it defied convention, they would stand by their Prince.
"And... I support it too!"
Shen Qingping hastily raised his hand, afraid of being left out.
