Mei Wuchang had returned, and since Sima Qing could likely uncover what had happened in Qingnan, Jiu Yue didn’t bother inquiring further.
At the moment, she lay in her usual spot, holding a maple leaf over her eyes to block the sunlight filtering through the trees. Her mind replayed Prince Ping’s words.
The emperor had taken his consorts to escape the summer heat… which meant she might have a chance to see Consort Xue.
Jiu Yue’s eyes brightened at the thought.
From Sima Qing’s indifferent attitude last time, Jiu Yue could sense that Consort Xue was likely part of their plan too… She must be exhausted.
Once infatuated with Prince Ping, she had now become the emperor’s consort.
When she saw Prince Ping, she had to say what he wanted to hear; when she faced the emperor, she had to quickly explain herself to avoid misunderstandings.
Jiu Yue shook her head, then abruptly stopped mid-motion—
Wait. She suddenly realized the connection between Xue’er and Consort Xue!
Consort Xue had once loved Prince Ping, and his current behavior clearly showed he still had lingering feelings for her. Naturally, he must have loved her in the past too.
They had been in love, but then the emperor intervened, stealing her away—turning Consort Xue into Prince Ping’s unattainable white moonlight!
This became an obsession.
An obsession so deep that Prince Ping had even named his daughter after his lost love!
Jiu Yue was convinced she had uncovered the truth.
How absurd!
Was he deliberately trying to ensure Consort Xue could never find happiness with the emperor?
If not for the Mute Girl’s confirmation about Xue’er’s birth mother, anyone who heard the names "Consort Xue" and "Xue’er" would suspect something scandalous.
It was no wonder Consort Xue lived in constant turmoil.
That despicable scoundrel was nothing but trouble!
Jiu Yue narrowed her eyes, muttering curses under her breath before rolling her eyes—only to meet Mei Wuchang’s puzzled gaze.
Startled, she blurted, "When did you climb up here?"
Mei Wuchang’s lips twitched. "I called for you from below, but you didn’t answer. So I came up and found you… reciting sutras? Are you worried about the assassination mission?"
Jiu Yue: "…"
Nonsense! Who was reciting sutras?
She scoffed, flicking the maple leaf at him. "With my skills, what’s there to worry about?"
Mei Wuchang: "…"
He gave her a look. "Last time was an accident."
Jiu Yue clicked her tongue. "Exactly, it was an accident—"
Wait.
Her eyes widened as realization struck.
That wasn’t an accident.
The original owner of this body had deliberately held back!
Without warning, Jiu Yue leaped down and began pacing the courtyard. She had finally noticed something she’d overlooked before.
With the original owner’s skills, if she could stab Sima Qing in the thigh, slitting his throat would have been effortless.
Yet she had only wounded his leg before fleeing.
Jiu Yue suddenly remembered the golden token engraved with the character "Ping."
No wonder the original owner carried it during the assassination—it was a deliberate clue, ensuring Sima Qing would trace it back to Prince Ping!
Halting mid-step, Jiu Yue’s gaze sharpened with clarity.
So, the original owner’s idea of revenge had always been to manipulate Sima Qing into bringing down Prince Ping.
But her plan had been seen through, leading to her death at the hands of Prince Ping’s assassins… Otherwise, with the original owner and Sima Qing working together, Prince Ping would have already fallen.
Jiu Yue closed her eyes, unsure how to process this revelation.
What a spectacular twist of fate!
"What’s wrong with you?" Mei Wuchang had been watching her, his expression growing increasingly bewildered. "How have you become so… eccentric in just a few days?"
Jiu Yue opened her eyes and waved a hand dismissively. "Nothing. Just working through some thoughts."
Mei Wuchang pressed, "What thoughts?"
Jiu Yue: "…"
She had no idea—she’d made it up! Why was he digging deeper?
She shot him a dark look and decided to improvise. "I just don’t understand why Prince Ping and the regent are such bitter enemies. Aren’t they relatives?"
Of course, she knew the reason. Prince Ping wanted to rebel, and Sima Qing, as regent, had every reason to oppose him.
Mei Wuchang glanced around cautiously before leaning in and whispering, "It’s complicated. Since you’ve lost your memories, I can’t explain it all now."
Jiu Yue: "…"
She glared at him flatly. "Then why the secrecy?"
He tugged her closer. "I’ll tell you one thing."
Jiu Yue perked up, listening intently.
Mei Wuchang murmured, "The regent’s poisoning… was Prince Ping’s doing."
Jiu Yue froze.
By evening, the heat had subsided, and Sima Qing lounged leisurely in the courtyard.
Mo Jin approached swiftly and reported in a low voice, "Your Highness, the arrangements are complete."
Sima Qing’s eyes remained half-lidded as he asked indifferently, "Did Lord Xu confess anything?"
Mo Jin shook his head. "Lord Shen has already escorted him back to the capital. He should arrive in a few days. Lord Shen said you may interrogate him personally then."
"No need." A faint smile touched Sima Qing’s lips. "Lord Xu has embezzled for years, and Lord Shen already has his ledgers. He’ll handle it."
Mo Jin hesitated. "But he hasn’t revealed his accomplices…"
Sima Qing cracked one eye open. "Why do you think he refuses to talk?"
Mo Jin fell silent.
"Prince Ping’s methods are far crueler than you imagine," Sima Qing said darkly. "Exile at least leaves one alive, but crossing Prince Ping means his family would only reunite in the afterlife."
Mo Jin slumped further into gloom.
How many people had been fooled by Prince Ping’s gentle facade? Behind the scenes, he committed atrocities.
Their regent merely executed and burned those who deserved it, yet the people branded him a villain. Meanwhile, Prince Ping enjoyed a spotless reputation—how was that fair?
Sima Qing glanced at Mo Jin’s despondent figure and suppressed an eye roll.
Just as he was about to close his eyes again, distant barks echoed through the courtyard. He looked up to see Qiu Dongfang approaching, carrying Xiao Wuyou—who, in turn, cradled a small dog.
"Your Highness," Qiu Dongfang said wearily, looking ten years older from childcare exhaustion. "The young master is looking for you."
He then retreated to Mo Jin’s side, demanding a back rub.
Sima Qing bent down to meet Xiao Wuyou’s gaze, his tone softening.
"Young master, what brings you here?"
Xiao Wuyou’s large eyes brimmed with worry. "Uncle Regent, Jiu Yue is missing. Can you send someone to find her?"
The dog in his arms whimpered in agreement, its tail drooping sadly.
Both clearly missed Jiu Yue.
Due to the nature of her mission, only Sima Qing, a few trusted aides, and Nan Xun knew of Jiu Yue’s whereabouts.
It was Jiu Yue herself who mentioned Nan Xun.
As for the Regent’s residence, ever since Jiu Yue first entered, Sima Qing had been careful to keep information about her confidential to avoid alerting anyone.
Now, observing Xiao Wuyou’s slightly displeased expression, Sima Qing reached out and directly lifted the child onto his lap.
“She’s temporarily occupied with some matters. I’ll relay your concern to her,” he said, then glanced down at the dog and added sternly, “Yours too.”
Xiao Wuyou finally let out a relieved sigh. “Thank you, Uncle. You’re really nice—not as bad as Jiu Yue said.”
The “nice uncle” Sima Qing: “…”
Originally about to set the child down, Sima Qing suddenly smirked, leaning back with amused interest. “Oh? What exactly did she say about me?”
The innocent little Wuyou began chattering away. “Jiu Yue said you get angry all the time and scold people in roundabout ways. Uncle Prince, what does ‘scolding in roundabout ways’ mean? Oh, and she also said you’re picky—does that mean your hair, Uncle Prince…?”
Sima Qing’s smile vanished.
Nearby, Qiu Dongfang & Mo Jin: “…”
Well then… light a candle for Jiu Yue?
