In the end, Yun Wan pressed her fingerprint, choosing to let the Lu family inform the deceased Lu Fenglan during their next tomb visit—otherwise, how improper would it seem? Who knew what the people he sent might do?
Emperor Jingxuan expressed regret over this.
As for the divorce document left behind, once the ink had dried, he carefully stored it in a hidden compartment to ensure it wouldn’t be lost.
After spending nearly half an hour in the front hall, Yun Wan, preoccupied with Grand Scholar Xu’s visit to the capital to see Sui that day, asked, "Your Majesty, when will Sui’s meeting with Grand Scholar Xu conclude? I miss the child."
Mostly, she wanted to inform him about her relationship with Emperor Jingxuan, but she was also worried Sui might struggle to accept it, fearing he wouldn’t know how to carry himself afterward...
The thought of these complications made Yun Wan sigh softly.
Emperor Jingxuan readily agreed, "He likely won’t have free time these next two days. How about I have Jiang Fusheng bring him in a few days to dine with you?"
Before Yun Wan could respond, he continued, "Earlier, I noticed Grand Scholar Xu treating the boy kindly. His answers to the questions posed were quite impressive—truly your child, as clever as you are."
His eyes shone with admiration as he gazed at her.
Yun Wan gave him a surprised look, puzzled.
She had never heard him praise Sui so openly before—what was going on today?
She wanted to ask more but hesitated, not wanting to disturb the child abruptly.
Her conflicted expression didn’t escape Emperor Jingxuan’s notice, and his eyes flickered thoughtfully.
Rubbing his temples, he remarked casually, "There’s something I’d like to share with you as well."
Yun Wan turned her attention to him, intrigued.
Emperor Jingxuan absently tapped the desk with his knuckles, the rhythm slow and deliberate.
After a moment of contemplation, he frowned and said gravely, "It suddenly occurred to me that five years ago, I lost a thumb ring. The palace servants searched everywhere but never found it. Now, I suspect it was stolen by that female thief."
"A thumb ring?"
Yun Wan’s heart leaped into her throat, the unexpected revelation stealing her breath.
Digging her nails into her palm, she maintained a calm facade. "What kind of ring?"
Emperor Jingxuan’s expression darkened as he raised his hand. "A purple jade ring, carved with a dragon motif—identical to this one."
Yun Wan’s gaze dropped to the thumb ring he wore, though this one was imperial green, not purple.
Yet the design was unmistakably familiar—aside from the color, it was a perfect match to the one she had hidden in a secret compartment in Cuiwei Pavilion.
A chill crept down her spine, as if she’d just received dreadful news.
She dared not show any reaction, keeping her face impassive.
Noticing her intense stare, Emperor Jingxuan smiled faintly, removing the ring and placing it in her palm. "What are you thinking, my lady?"
The moment the ring touched her skin, it burned like a hot coal. Yun Wan nearly dropped it in her trembling grasp.
But reason prevailed. Clutching the ring, still warm from his touch, she feigned curiosity. "How can Your Majesty be certain the thief took it? What if it was simply misplaced?"
Emperor Jingxuan replied, "I wore that ring constantly and never removed it. Even if lost, the palace servants would have found it. Yet all these years, there’s been no trace—only one explanation remains."
His lips curled slightly. "She must have hidden it, knowing its value made it impossible to sell. A clever woman, indeed."
His deduction was eerily accurate.
But the so-called "clever woman" now felt like a fool.
Yun Wan pressed, "In that case, what does Your Majesty plan to do?"
Unconsciously, her tone carried a hint of urgency.
She needed to know his next move—if she could anticipate it, perhaps she could devise a countermeasure.
Emperor Jingxuan’s brow furrowed in thought.
The silence stretched, Yun Wan’s palms sweating, the ring in her grip turning icy.
Finally, he answered nonchalantly, "First, follow the ring’s trail. If we locate it, we’ll catch the thief red-handed."
"And the second approach?" Yun Wan watched him intently.
Emperor Jingxuan tilted his head, sipping his tea before replying coolly,
"Second, investigate the female guests from that night. If any left their seats for an extended period without an alibi... their suspicion would grow considerably."
His voice was frost-laced, sending a shiver through her heart.
Abruptly, his gaze sharpened. "I recall you attended that banquet, my lady. Can you remember encountering any suspicious women?"
Yun Wan couldn’t muster a smile.
Wasn’t the most suspicious, most dangerous person she’d met that night him?
But she couldn’t reveal that.
Feigning deep thought, she murmured, "My memory isn’t the best—events from years ago are hazy. But upon reflection..."
She shook her head. "I didn’t notice anyone suspicious. Though I do recall a palace fire cutting the banquet short, after which I returned home."
Her apologetic eyes met his, as if regretting her inability to assist.
Emperor Jingxuan smiled.
Such a sincere lady.
He almost believed her.
Indeed, the mere mention of that night turned her into a startled bird.
......
Leaving the front hall, Yun Wan exhaled heavily.
The jade ring. The female guests.
At this rate, wouldn’t the investigation soon point directly at her?
This couldn’t continue—she needed to dispose of that purple jade ring at the first opportunity!
Better destroyed than discovered.
Returning to Zichen Hall, Yun Wan noticed numerous boxes on the floor and table. "What are these?"
A palace maid organizing them replied, "Your Highness, these are congratulatory gifts from the other consorts. Since Qiyun Palace is still under renovation, they sent them here instead."
Clearly, they’d prepared in advance, delivering them the moment the edict was announced.
Of course, this wasn’t out of goodwill—merely protocol.
When Yun Wan remained silent, the maid added, "The Noble Consort mentioned that as a new member of the inner court, you might not be acquainted with everyone. She invites you to Yaohua Palace tomorrow morning, where the other consorts will gather."
In short, tomorrow Yun Wan would make her formal debut before the imperial harem—and curiosity about her ran high.
Bracing for the inevitable tension at Yaohua Palace, Yun Wan nodded. "Understood. Wake me at the appointed time."
Meanwhile, when news of Yun Wan’s ennoblement and the divorce document reached the Lu Ducal Residence, Old Madam fainted in shock.
For a time, the entire household was thrown into chaos.
