After Jiang Dongsheng left, no one in the imperial study dared to breathe loudly.
Zhao Yande stood motionless by the desk, terrified that Xiao Chengjing's wrath would be taken out on a servant like him.
Just as everyone wondered when this oppressive atmosphere would end, Xiao Chengjing suddenly spoke, his voice like a deep, dark pool harboring hidden murderous intent.
"Have Fan Guanshan come see me."
"Yes, Your Majesty," Zhao Yande nodded hastily and hurried out.
Not long after, Fan Guanshan strode swiftly into the imperial study, bringing a chill from the outside with him.
He dropped to one knee with a thud. "Your humble servant greets Your Majesty."
Being summoned this late at night could not mean anything good.
Xiao Chengjing explained the cause and effect of the situation in a few brief sentences before getting straight to the point.
"Take your men to the Prince Ying Manor immediately and find out who administered the drug. I want to know who is trying to kill the envoy of Shuobei, and what their motive is."
Fan Guanshan calmly cupped his hands in obeisance. "I obey Your Majesty's command."
With that said, not wishing to linger in the imperial study a moment longer, he immediately turned and left to lead his men to the Prince Ying Manor.
Xiao Chengjing's current expression was simply too terrifying, like a volcano ready to erupt at any moment, capable of claiming lives if one was not careful.
Jiang Dongsheng rushed back to the government office as if he had wings.
He relayed Xiao Chengjing's words verbatim to Song Jinzhao, then added with profound significance, "County Princess, you should understand His Majesty's intentions. Everything is for the greater good."
Song Jinzhao twitched the corners of her mouth, but not a trace of warmth reached her eyes.
"I understand His Majesty's intentions. There is no cure for drunkenness, and in the middle of the night, it is time for this County Princess to return and rest."
Jiang Dongsheng hurriedly escorted Song Jinzhao and Song Qiming out of the office.
After the carriage curtain fell, the expressions on the siblings' faces instantly cooled.
Song Qiming asked in disbelief, "Sister, is this matter just going to end like this? Assassinating an envoy is a matter of paramount importance! Does the Emperor really intend to smooth things over and cover it up? What if Prince Qi strikes again?"
"Even if the envoy leaves, Princess Shuwan is still here. Prince Qi has gone mad; he could cause trouble at any moment."
Song Jinzhao leaned against the carriage wall, reaching up to pinch the bridge of her nose, feeling a bit drowsy.
"The incident happened in the capital, and the Emperor cannot afford the consequences of such a disaster. It is not that he will not investigate, but rather that he cannot do so openly."
Song Qiming furrowed his brows in frustration. "I am just afraid the Emperor will not trace it back to Prince Qi."
Song Jinzhao said faintly, "Every action leaves a trace. As long as he wants to investigate, he will definitely find out. However, how he ultimately deals with it is another matter entirely."
Song Qiming choked on his words. Thinking of all the times the Emperor had previously shielded Xiao Rongche, his spirit instantly deflated.
He sighed softly, his tone filled with utter helplessness.
"That is true. Even if it is traced back to Prince Qi, he probably will not be severely punished. A few light reprimands and the matter will pass."
As the carriage passed an intersection, it suddenly stopped. Qingshuang turned her head and lifted the curtain.
"County Princess, the Imperial Guards are approaching. The one leading them looks like Commander Fan."
Song Jinzhao sat up and leaned out to look. She saw a group of Imperial Guards on horseback swiftly crossing the intersection ahead.
The two men at the front carried lanterns discreetly, the dim light barely illuminating anything in the distance.
The faint yellow glow cast upon the leader's face. After clearly seeing his features, Song Jinzhao had a guess in her heart.
"It is Fan Guanshan. Heading in this direction, they must be going to the Prince Ying Manor."
Having the Imperial Guards investigate was exactly Xiao Chengjing's style.
Song Qiming asked, "Sister, should we send someone to follow them and take a look?" They needed to know how the situation was developing, after all.
Song Jinzhao shook her head.
"The Emperor is investigating privately because he does not want anyone to know about this. If Fan Guanshan discovers someone tailing them, it will inevitably arouse suspicion."
"Return to the manor. We do not need to concern ourselves with this matter anymore. The results will reveal themselves in due time."
Feeling somewhat reluctant, Song Qiming let the carriage curtain fall. On the way back, his brows remained tightly furrowed.
