Xuan Yi came to report.
During the Lantern Festival, five people died. It was investigated and all of them were civilians who had been in contact with the woman spreading rumors about the princess.
Old, weak!
Over fifty!
This fit the pattern of You Lian's fatalities.
There seemed to be no suspicious circumstances, yet individual differences could lead to variations in the time of death. It was illogical for them to die on the same day.
"Aside from these five who died in the street, have any others who were in contact with that woman died?"
"No!"
After controlling the woman, everyone she had come into contact with had been monitored. Upon discovering that the deceased at the Lantern Festival were all people the woman had met, Xuan Yi began to investigate. No one else had died.
Could it really be a coincidence?
Nan Shiying frowned.
Thirteen brought new news.
"The fifth wife of the Marquis of Linyang and Madam Wang from the Nan family have both died suddenly at home."
"Madam Wang is dead?"
Nan Shiying was startled. Someone else had died at the Nan residence.
What was Nan Chaoyin planning?
"Yes!"
"Half an hour ago, a maid found Madam Wang dead in her bed."
"Cause of death?"
"Illness!"
As they were speaking, Jia Huan hurried over. "Your Highness, Nan Yujin is kneeling outside, requesting an audience with Feng Luan."
Seeing me?
Nan Shiying pressed her temples. Was Nan Yujin suspecting the cause of Madam Wang's death?
"I understand!"
She stood up and said to Jia Huan, "Ask him to wait."
"Yes!"
Xuan Yi and Thirteen retreated outside the door. Nan Shiying untied her belt and asked Ji Jinmo to get her male attire as Feng Luan. Ji Jinmo stood up and hugged her from behind.
His chin rested on her shoulder. The scent of falling cherry blossoms instantly enveloped Nan Shiying. She tilted her head slightly, her cheek brushing against Ji Jinmo's. Her hand naturally grasped Ji Jinmo's arm, and her tense nerves slowly relaxed in his embrace.
She nuzzled his cheek, her skin radiating warmth. They could smell the scent of each other – the same scent of irises. Nan Shiying's scent was a hundred times more pleasant than Yu Chengxuan's, drawing Ji Jinmo in, intoxicating him, making him wish to remain forever in this fragrant and gentle haven.
"Alright!"
Nan Shiying patted Ji Jinmo's hand. The moment of tenderness was long enough. Those waiting outside were likely getting impatient.
Ji Jinmo reluctantly released her, then lowered his head and kissed her lips, a brief, tantalizing kiss. After the kiss, Ji Jinmo went to get Feng Luan's male attire.
Watching her change from women's clothing to men's, her appearance altered, her facial fatigue concealed by the skin mask, Ji Jinmo felt a pang of regret. If not for him, she could have roamed the martial world freely and unrestrainedly, instead of being confined to the capital, facing treacherous schemes and power struggles.
It was his fault.
His brow was stroked by warm fingertips, and Ji Jinmo snapped back to reality. Nan Shiying had smoothed away the frown lines on his forehead. She cupped his face with both hands, her nose brushing against his. "I am willing."
She said with a smile.
After realizing her feelings, everything became her own choice.
Sweetly accepting.
Without regret, without remorse!
Nan Shiying left through the back window, evading the sight of the servants in Xinyuan Pavilion and appearing on the front courtyard corridor.
Nan Yujin knelt on the cold ground. The chill seeped into his body through his knees, making him stiff. His entire body, from blood to muscle, felt as if it were freezing. He trembled uncontrollably, yet he showed no intention of getting up.
His mother was supposed to live for another four months. How could she have suddenly died of illness? He refused to believe it. He absolutely refused to believe it. It must be... Nan Yujin clenched his fists tightly. He didn't want to think any further, fearing that he might lose control of his anger and murderous intent, doing something irreparable.
"Creak~"
The main gate of the Regent's Mansion was pushed open from within. Nan Yujin finally saw the figure he had been longing for.
"Divine Doctor Feng, please have mercy. I, I truly cannot believe..." Nan Yujin's voice choked. He looked up at Nan Shiying, his eyes red and swollen as if he had been crying for a long time. Now, there were no more tears, only a scarlet redness.
He did not finish speaking. Some things could not and should not be said.
"I understand."
Nan Shiying nodded. "Let's go!"
She turned and got into the carriage. Nan Yujin used his hands to support himself on the ground, struggling to get up. His legs felt as if they were filled with lead. He dragged his stiff legs and walked step by step towards the horse tethered by the roadside.
After several attempts, he managed to mount the horse and chased after the carriage.
The carriage and the horse stopped at the Nan residence, one after the other. Nan Shiying alighted and walked towards the main gate.
The gatekeeper blocked her. "Halt! Today..."
Before the gatekeeper could finish speaking, Nan Yujin dismounted and rushed to the door, slapping the gatekeeper's face. He roared, "Are you blind? How dare you stop my guest?"
"Young Master!"
The gatekeeper clutched his face, letting the blood trickle down the corner of his mouth.
Facing the furious Nan Yujin, the gatekeeper still did not clear the path. The Madam had died of illness, and the Master had issued a strict order that no unauthorized personnel were allowed into the mansion.
"Young Master, please do not make things difficult for me. This is the Master's order."
"Make things difficult?"
Nan Yujin sneered and kicked him away.
Then, he pushed open the gate of the Nan residence.
Guards rushed over. Seeing that it was their young master, they hesitated for a moment.
"Young Master, what is this?"
Nan Yujin stepped forward, drew the long sword from a guard's waist, pointed the tip at the guard's chest, then gripped the hilt with his backhand and placed the sword against his own neck.
"No, Young Master, don't be rash!"
The guards turned pale with fear. Blocking her was one thing, but if the young master were to injure himself because of it, they wouldn't have enough lives to compensate.
The guards tried to dissuade him while also making way.
Nan Chaoyin heard the news when Nan Yujin had already brought Feng Luan to Madam Wang's mourning hall. The maids had washed and dressed Madam Wang. Looking at Madam Wang lying in the coffin, Nan Shiying reached into the coffin.
To examine the body.
Nan Chaoyin rushed in with servants and guards. As he entered the mourning hall, he saw Feng Luan leaning over the coffin to examine the body. His expression immediately turned grim. He did not reprimand Feng Luan for this nearly transgressing act. He merely lowered his voice and questioned Nan Yujin sternly, "Yujin, I know you cannot accept the fact of your mother's death, but a dead person cannot be brought back to life. Why must you disturb her rest?"
"Father!"
Nan Yujin sobbed, his swollen eyes fixed on Nan Chaoyin's gaze. He suppressed the questions and suspicions in his heart, desperately controlling his imminent breakdown of reason. "Please allow me to be willful this once. I only want an answer, just one answer."
"What answer?"
Nan Chaoyin gritted his teeth and questioned, "What answer do you want?"
"Doesn't Father know?" Nan Yujin retorted.
Nan Chaoyin took a deep breath, then slowly closed his eyes. For a moment, Nan Yujin softened. He even thought about giving up investigating the truth behind his mother's death. But it was only for an instant. His wavering heart became resolute when he saw Nan Yuan'er appear in the mourning hall.