The Empress Dowager finished speaking, Shangguan Yao's expression darkened, and a cold smile touched his lips.
"Mother, why would you think that? Prince Lin also questioned me earlier. Do you truly see me as such a petty person, or am I that foolish? xxs
To do such a thing when they are suppressing me. If I were to act, I would choose a different day."
Hearing this, the Empress Dowager's expression softened slightly, her delicate eyebrows unfurled, and a hint of doubt flickered in her eyes, no longer as certain as before. Her enchanting eyes darted back and forth as she pondered.
If it wasn't Yao'er's doing, who else would have manipulated this?
"Could it be the people from the Divine Dragon Palace? By doing this, are they trying to incite conflict between the royal family and the court officials? What immense ambition! I never imagined a martial arts sect would dare to disregard the order of the court and attempt to subvert it. How shameless!"
Shangguan Yao's eyes flickered, the corners of his lips curved into a subtle light, and he let out a slow sigh.
"Mother is indeed wise, seeing through the scheme at a glance. These Divine Dragon Palace people are truly detestable, and I will not let them off the hook this time. Mother, rest assured."
"Mm."
The Empress Dowager nodded, then turned to look at Shangguan Yao. The doubt in her heart did not dissipate, but she did not wish to reveal it to the Emperor. Unless a reason could be proven for the Divine Dragon Palace's actions, she would still suspect that the Emperor himself was behind the manipulation.
What could a mere martial arts sect achieve by disrupting the relationship between the royal family and the court officials?
"Yao'er, Mother knows what you intend to do and what you fear, but even if you proceed, you must have a flawless strategy. Furthermore, the Ye family is your backing. You must not resort to self-sabotage."
The Empress Dowager advised him earnestly; this was all she could do.
The Emperor's wings had grown strong, and he likely had his own sources of support in secret, having gathered a group of loyal court officials. This was why he fearlessly intended to use some form of assessment to weed out the old guards.
However, those people would likely remain indifferent and allow themselves to be manipulated. Let us hope no trace of their machinations is revealed.
With a somber expression, the Empress Dowager slowly stood up. "Yao'er, Mother is leaving."
"Your humble son bids Mother farewell."
Shangguan Yao calmly stood and respectfully escorted the Empress Dowager out of the study, then stared at the door, remaining silent for a long time.
The sky was densely studded with stars, the firmament magnificent. The clear moon hung upon a piece of brocade, emitting a bright radiance that enveloped the entire city of Yan Jing.
Jiuhua Street and Fengxiang Street were bustling with activity. Lanterns lined the streets, forming a winding dragon.
Street vendors called out energetically, their cries blending with the sounds of shoppers browsing, inquiring about prices, and bargaining, creating a vibrant night scene.
A luxurious carriage stopped in front of the newly opened medical clinic.
Two guards leaped from the front of the carriage, exchanging glances with confusion before respectfully walking over to lift the curtain for the Prince to disembark.
They did not understand why His Highness had come here so late. However, none dared to ask.
"Your Highness, we have arrived."
"Knock on the door."
While other medical clinics were brightly lit, treating patients and raking in profits, this one acted in reverse. As soon as night fell, it closed its doors, not even lighting the lantern at the entrance. It was certainly unique, but this only deepened Shangguan Lin's suspicion.
This further indicated that Leng Yue had intentions different from others. He opened a clinic not for profit; what kind of medicine was he practicing? He suspected Leng Yue was truly a member of the Divine Dragon Palace, or that this place was a hideout.
Thinking thus, a chill permeated Shangguan Lin's body, his eyes as cold as ice.
If Leng Yue was indeed a member of the Divine Dragon Palace, he would not spare him. How could a small martial arts sect dare to openly assassinate court officials in such a prosperous place as Yan Jing? Where was the law?
Currently, they were unable to track down these people, or perhaps they were all hidden somewhere, engaged in certain activities, making them difficult to investigate.
However, a fox would eventually reveal its tail. Tonight, he planned to take young Master Leng Yue to a brothel for drinks. If Leng Yue drank, he was sure to glean some substantial information from his words. And then?
Shangguan Lin's calculations went smoothly, and he coldly commanded Mu Li, who stood by his side.
"Go up and knock on the door."
"Yes, Your Highness."
Mu Li and Qiao Chu were unaware of their Prince's thoughts. They had already received the order and stepped forward to knock. They privately speculated if His Highness had come to treat a homosexual ailment, as he couldn't come during the day and had come at night.
Under the night sky, the door panel was struck with a "pa pa" sound. After a long while, someone inside responded, speaking with displeasure.
"No more treating patients, no more! Come back tomorrow."
As the voice spoke, a head poked out from the opened door. It was clearly a shop assistant from the clinic. He looked blankly at the figures standing in the darkness and, after a moment, mumbled, "Come back tomorrow, no more treating tonight. Please go back."
After saying this, he intended to close the door. Outside the door, Shangguan Lin's face darkened. He had not expected to encounter someone who didn't recognize him. His eyes glinted sinisterly as he glared.
The shop assistant jumped, his limbs flailing as he sped up. Mu Li stuck a foot in, blocking the door. The shop assistant swallowed nervously and trembled as he spoke.
"What exactly do you want?"
"This is our Prince. His Highness wishes to see Young Master Leng."
"The Prince? Wishes to see our young master."
Only now did the shop assistant fully comprehend. He quickly moved aside, casually removing the other half of the door. At this moment, a voice came from the inner hall, "Who is it?"
It was Yan Mei, the manager of the clinic. Hearing the commotion at the front, she came to check the situation. Under the faint light, she recognized that it was Prince Shangguan and became nervous. She stepped forward two paces and respectfully asked, "I did not expect Your Highness to grace our clinic with your presence. For what purpose?"
Shangguan Lin did not speak. Mu Li, standing beside him, stepped forward. "His Highness wishes to see Young Master Leng."
"If His Highness wishes to see the young master, please wait a moment."
Yan Mei spoke neither subserviently nor arrogantly. Her initial nervousness had passed, and she was now calm. The clinic had not done anything illegal, so there was no need to be afraid. She nodded slightly, gesturing for the shop assistant to attend to the Prince, and then headed to the back building to report to her master.
Yun Xiao was in her room on the second floor, tinkering with pills with Wanwan. Upon hearing Yan Mei's words from downstairs, she was somewhat surprised. Why had Shangguan Lin come so late?
However, since a Prince had come, she could not avoid meeting him. Moreover, she wanted to see what he was up to. She then tidied herself up and instructed Wanwan, who was beside her.
"Let's go. Let's see what this Prince Shangguan is up to?"
"Yes, Master."
Wanwan followed closely behind. The mistress and servant descended the stairs and walked forward with Yan Mei.
As soon as she entered the shop, she felt a gust of cold air. Shangguan Lin was always cold and stern. Yun Xiao was unconcerned by this situation and politely cupped her fists, saying, "I wonder what advice Your Highness Shangguan has for us this late at night?"