The old imperial concubine could not recall if Eunuch Changshou had visited twenty years ago, but she surmised he likely hadn't.
However, if Eunuch Changshou had intended to kill Xiao Yun's father, he would have found a way to come even if he wasn't expected.
It was precisely because everyone assumed he wouldn't come that he was not a suspect.
The old imperial concubine's words offered no crucial information.
Wang Qingyao hesitated for a moment and asked, "Should I ask Mother? Perhaps she remembers?"
When Xiao Yun's father was ill, shouldn't his wife have been by his side to attend to him?
The old imperial concubine sighed, "No need to ask her. She kept her distance in the next room at the time, wary of the imperial physicians being male. No one saw anything."
"Does Grandmother remember if Grandfather or Father ever mentioned any grudges with Eunuch Changshou or someone named Zhao Peng?"
This time, the old imperial concubine did not hesitate, stating with certainty, "No."
The situation was thus very strange.
There was a suspect, but no motive could be found.
At this moment, Nanny Jing knocked twice on the door and said, "Princess Consort, someone from Kangping Courtyard has come to report that your sister from your maiden family is here and asks you to return to see her."
The old imperial concubine immediately told Wang Qingyao to go back.
"You are pregnant, and overthinking is the worst thing for you. Don't dwell on this matter. Let Ayun ponder it."
Wang Qingyao agreed verbally but remained preoccupied with the matter in her heart.
Xiao Yun did not return to Kangping Courtyard with her, having retreated to the outer study.
The visitor was Wang Qingzhen, and this was her first time at Prince Ding'an's mansion. Previously, with impure intentions, Wang Qingyao had refused her requests to visit.
After the incident with Han Suqin, the sisters' relationship had rapidly improved, and Wang Qingyao had instead proactively invited her.
"Second Sister."
Wang Qingzhen performed a customary greeting, and Wang Qingyao pulled her to sit on a chair.
Yinzhu served exquisite tea and pastries.
Wang Qingzhen seemed unenthusiastic. She glanced around, her words catching in her throat.
Wang Qingyao understood her unspoken thoughts and sent the maids attending her to wait outside.
Wang Qingzhen then spoke softly, "Second Sister, I've been waking up startled from sleep these past few days. Whenever I think of Prince Qi, I still feel a lingering fear. It was so close, so close to being me who would be confined..."
She felt both fortunate and terrified, her expression complex.
Wang Qingyao smiled faintly, "Fortune that is too great can lead to disaster, and disaster can sometimes be a blessing in disguise."
"Second Sister," Wang Qingyao lowered her voice and asked slyly, "Did you know all along that Prince Qi was problematic?"
Wang Qingyao's expression remained unchanged. She took a sip of tea and said unhurriedly, "I am not a celestial being. How could I have known he was problematic so early?"
Wang Qingzhen pouted, not entirely convinced by Wang Qingyao's words.
However, despite her disbelief, she did not press further and began to talk about family matters.
"...Mother is quite kind. She treats Eldest Brother, myself, and Fourth Sister well. It's just that she's not much older than us, and I feel a bit awkward every time I call her Mother."
Wang Qingyao paused for a moment before remembering she was referring to Gu Shi, who had recently married into the Wang family.
"You'll get used to the awkwardness," Wang Qingyao said dismissively.
"I just feel it's a pity for her, marrying someone like my father at such a good age..." She realized she had spoken too quickly and quickly tried to cover it up, "I didn't mean it like that. My father is a distinguished Vice Minister of Revenue. It's just that he has quite a few concubines. But then again, it's normal for men to have multiple wives and concubines..."
Her voice grew softer and softer, and by the end, she felt bored herself.
Gu Shi was indeed a pity.
"You don't need to pity her," Wang Qingyao said. "She knows what she wants. Some people want to marry a handsome and loving partner, while others simply desire a life of comfort and respect. No matter how many concubines Eldest Uncle takes, she will always be his principal wife."
"Besides," Wang Qingyao smiled mischievously, "Eldest Uncle is getting on in years..."
In a few more years, he would have the desire but not the ability, wouldn't he?
"Second Sister," Wang Qingzhen looked at Wang Qingyao with confusion, "Why are you smiling so... lewdly?"
"What nonsense are you spouting? At such a young age, where did you learn such words? If others hear you, they will gossip. You are not allowed to say such things anymore."
Wang Qingzhen nodded obediently, and after a moment, she whispered, "Mother and Grandmother have started looking for a suitable match for me..."
"Have you found anyone you like?"
Wang Qingzhen nodded and said shyly, "The family has two in mind: the eldest illegitimate son of the Earl of Jinxiang, and Eldest Brother's former classmate, who is now working in the Ministry of Works."
"Alright," Wang Qingyao said, "I'll have the Prince investigate both of them."
Wang Qingzhen hesitated for a moment and said, "Grandmother favors the eldest illegitimate son of the Earl of Jinxiang, while Mother leans towards Eldest Brother's classmate."
"And you?" Wang Qingyao asked.
"I don't know," Wang Qingzhen shook her head. "I haven't met either of them, and I don't know who is better. If it were before, I would have chosen the eldest illegitimate son of the Earl of Jinxiang without a second thought. But after the incident with Han Suqin, I understand that a prominent family is not necessarily good. Perhaps a more ordinary person would suit my temperament better. Father is the Vice Minister of Revenue, and my cousin is the Princess Consort of Ding'an. I doubt ordinary families would dare to bully me."
Wang Qingyao smiled and patted her head, "Don't rush. It's not too late to decide after Second Sister has thoroughly investigated them."
Wang Qingzhen obediently nodded.