"Grandma, thank you for giving this to us."
Yun Xiao held her grandmother's hand, speaking with emotion. She never imagined that behind the exquisite human skin mask lay a tragic and moving love story.
The old woman smiled, her gaze wistful and distant. "I often used this mask when I was young. Back then, like you, I liked to dress up as a handsome young gentleman and frequent the pleasure quarters. Haowen was always so jealous."
As she spoke, she remembered that person was already gone. Her face turned a little pale, but it was only a fleeting sadness before she resumed her usual demeanor.
"Grandma."
"I'm fine. I came to find you today because there's something I want to tell you."
"Please speak, Grandma," Yun Xiao looked at her.
Wanwan also looked at her. The old woman held Yun Xiao's hand and spoke softly.
"I trust Xiao'er. You have Liuxing and Wanwan to look after you, so it's unlikely for anyone to bully you now. But when I was sleeping last night, I remembered what your late Grandma Su said before she died."
"You are all my children. Mochen is still young, his martial arts are not good, and he's young. Managing such a large shop alone, I'm afraid he won't be able to cope. This old woman wants to go help him. Firstly, to find something to do, and secondly, to supervise his diligent practice of martial arts." xxs1
Yun Xiao and Wanwan were stunned. They hadn't expected Grandma to even think of Mochen. They nodded emotionally, especially Wanwan. She stepped forward and knelt before the old woman, speaking with a choked voice.
"Wanwan thanks Grandma."
"Get up. If you're truly grateful to me, then serve Xiao'er well. Mochen, I'll look after him for you."
The old woman smiled and helped Wanwan up. The three people in the room embraced each other, their faces filled with smiles, and the room was filled with warmth.
In the study of the Sima Prime Minister's mansion, the host and guest were seated according to their positions. A maid had already served tea and retreated, and the study became quiet.
Shangguan Lin sat at the head, with Sima Qingyun seated below as a companion.
Sima Qingyun's complexion was much better today. Because Prince Shangguan was upright and though stern, not unreasonable, Sima Qingyun did not have to worry about saying the wrong thing or facing a fatal danger.
"May I ask why His Highness has visited the Sima mansion today?"
Sima Qingyun asked calmly while sipping his tea. He had not slept all night, contemplating until he finally saw things clearly.
The Emperor was determined to eliminate him. The people in the court now followed his lead. Given the Emperor's narrow-mindedness, he would surely kill him as a warning to others.
Facing such a situation, he was helpless. At this moment, he was like Yun Mo back then. Fortunately, Yun Mo had fled to a crucial border region, saving the Yun King's mansion from trouble.
"My visit today is first, to inquire about Prime Minister Sima's health, and second, the Emperor was attacked yesterday. I wish to hear Prime Minister Sima's advice."
As Shangguan Lin finished speaking, Sima Qingyun's face stiffened. He raised his head to examine Shangguan Lin. Seeing no suspicion on his face and his eyes clear, a hint of doubt arose in his heart.
Did the Emperor not tell Prince Shangguan about his visit to the Sima mansion yesterday? Sima Qingyun asked indifferently.
"I appreciate Your Highness's concern."
He paused, took a sip of tea, and then slowly said, "I wonder why the Emperor left the palace? I never heard of the Emperor leaving the palace before. I'm afraid there's another explanation, so I cannot offer any advice."
Sima Qingyun did not want to mention anything about the Emperor. He was already in a precarious position, why bother with others?
Moreover, he could not imagine who would dare to assassinate the Emperor. If it were people from the Divine Dragon Palace, how did they get the news? He could not have imagined that the Divine Dragon Palace could infiltrate every level.
Shangguan Lin sipped his tea while observing Sima Qingyun. He could see that Prime Minister Sima's face was solemn and appeared preoccupied.
In just a few days, this Prime Minister Sima seemed to have aged several years. Shangguan Lin could not help but feel pity, for Sima Qingyun was a minister highly valued by the late Emperor, always acting with discretion and caution.
Thinking about it now, he shouldn't have any enemies. So, it was likely...?
Shangguan Lin's eyes suddenly brightened, then turned cold and wild like a storm. This was likely the doing of that person.
He did this to prevent others from discovering his identity, perhaps? So he suppressed the ministers heavily relied upon by the late Emperor and replaced them with his own people. Then, who could shake the throne? But now that he knew, he would never let him succeed.
However, this matter must not be rushed. Because even if he revealed it, that person would simply claim he was the Emperor, and the one who would suffer in the end would be himself.
"Prime Minister Sima, may I ask you a question? What is your opinion of the Emperor, and how does he differ from the former Crown Prince?"
Shangguan Lin's deep, suppressed voice rang out. Sima Qingyun was startled. He raised his head to look at Shangguan Lin, unsure what the Prince meant. Could it be that the Emperor sent him to test him? Just as he was about to speak, Shangguan Lin calmly said.
"Prime Minister Sima, please speak freely. This is something I am asking you privately, and it will not cause any major issues."
Sima Qingyun was stunned. He slowly thought, recalling something from the past. His eyes shone with brilliance, and he spoke in a deep voice.
"The Crown Prince back then, though only young, his literary talents and pronouncements were all superior. His strategy for managing the Yanjiang flood caused everyone present to be amazed. The late Emperor praised the Crown Prince as an emperor in the making, who would surely make the Eastern Qin Kingdom prosperous and its people strong, with a booming population, becoming the strongest among the four kingdoms. To this day, I only feel heartache."
As he spoke, Sima Qingyun wept profusely. A mere civil official was always full of emotion. When moved to sorrow, he would sob and shed tears.
Shangguan Lin was also slightly moved. He recalled his own Crown Prince elder brother. Towards his father, towards his younger brother, towards all the civil and military officials, and even the entire Eastern Qin Kingdom, he was a legendary figure. But who would have thought that today, he had been replaced by a substitute?
"Prime Minister Sima, there's no need to be sad. I ask you, do you think the Emperor and the Crown Prince have any dissimilarities?"
At these words, Sima Qingyun's eyes widened. He looked at Prince Shangguan in horror, not knowing what the Prince meant. Words could lead to disaster. Even though the Prince was a royal prince, he couldn't speak such things carelessly. Sima Qingyun quickly lowered his voice and warned.
"Your Highness, be careful of eavesdropping. Some words are best spoken less."
These were treasonous words. What did it mean for the Emperor and the Crown Prince to have dissimilarities? This clearly implied suspicion that the Emperor was not the former Crown Prince! Treason punishable by extermination of the clan. However...?
Sima Qingyun carefully considered. He was not very familiar with the former Crown Prince. He only knew that he was handsome and exceptionally beautiful. At a young age, he had inherited the Empress's captivating beauty. His demeanor was also elegant, unlike ordinary people.
However, when compared to the current Emperor, there were indeed differences. His bearing after growing up seemed inferior to before. Moreover, his methods of conduct were truly regrettable, bloodthirsty and insidious.