The Prime Minister’s Daughter and the Marquis’s Fool – Chapter 52

Medicinal Wine, Secret Chamber

Lin Xizhao couldn’t find him, nor could she fathom why her father would hide Lin Xikuan away and forbid them from disturbing him.

“Ah Jie, what should we do?” Lin Xirui was a little anxious now. Although he was a boy, the person before him was the older sister he could rely on, and he subconsciously began to depend on Lin Xizhao.

“Don’t be anxious. I remember our residence has several private houses in the capital. Could Father have sent Xikuan there?” After saying this, Lin Xizhao herself felt it was unlikely. When Lin Jianhai left, he told them not to disturb him, which meant Lin Xikuan was still in the residence. But Lin Xikuan’s courtyard was empty, so where could he have gone?

“What difference does it make where he’s confined? Why would he have to leave the residence?” Lin Xirui couldn’t figure it out. In the residence, there would still be people to look after him, and if they were told not to disturb him, they wouldn’t.

However, Lin Xirui suddenly remembered that he had wanted to sneak a look at Lin Xikuan, and his heart couldn’t help but feel timid.

Lin Xirui’s timidity was taken in by Lin Xizhao. Perhaps Lin Jianhai was worried that they would sneak off to find Lin Xikuan just like that.

There were only a few reasons why Lin Jianhai would forbid them from looking. Either Lin Xikuan was beaten severely yesterday, or he was sent away to do something. But she still didn’t understand; even if it was a punishment, what was there to hide from them? Wouldn’t it be better to let them see and take it as a warning?

Or could it be that Lin Xikuan had been struck in the face by Lin Jianhai, and the injury was too frightening, so he was sent out to recuperate?

Lin Xizhao hypothesized several possibilities, but all in all, she felt the problem wasn’t too serious. They were the only family members in the residence; Lin Jianhai probably wouldn’t let anything too bad happen to Lin Xikuan.

The brother and sister fell silent for a moment, no longer discussing Lin Xikuan’s matter. Perhaps letting him learn a lesson would be better for his temperament in the future.

Lin Xirui returned to his courtyard to read, and Lin Xizhao, having found some free time, went to sew a pair of wrist cuffs for the soon-to-be-married Zhao Jiayu as a wedding gift.

Qu Sheng had barely spoken a word today. When Lin Xizhao asked for her help, she would lend a hand. But when Lin Xizhao took the leather and drew a pattern, preparing to embroider a beautiful flower, Qu Sheng stared in a daze for a long time.

Lin Xizhao lowered her head to draw. When she finished, she looked up and kneaded her slightly sore neck with one hand. Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed Qu Sheng staring at her. Lin Xizhao turned to look, a smile immediately appearing on her face as she asked, “Is Sheng’er hungry?”

Today, Qu Sheng hadn’t even had her after-meal snacks. When she asked the kitchen to make some for her, she had also said she wasn’t hungry and didn’t want to eat.

Hearing this, Qu Sheng raised her gaze from the freshly patterned wrist cuffs in Lin Xizhao’s hands. She met Lin Xizhao’s eyes for a moment, then shook her head.

Qu Sheng had never liked patterns, and these leather wrist cuffs were clearly for a martial artist. Qu Sheng was guessing who Lin Xizhao was making them for.

Lin Xizhao looked at Qu Sheng’s impassive face. After staring at her for a few more moments, she once again arched her brows, broke into a smile, stood up, and walked over.

Qu Sheng watched Lin Xizhao approach. She sat unmoving in her chair, waiting until Lin Xizhao came over and cradled her head against her waist, asking in a low, soft voice, “Why are you unhappy?”

After lunch today, Lin Xizhao’s mind had been occupied. She had been worried about Lin Xikuan, and now that she was free, she was busy making wrist cuffs for Zhao Jiayu. It seemed she had neglected Qu Sheng.

Qu Sheng looked up at Lin Xizhao, saw the gentleness in her eyes, and her own expression softened a little.

“Wrist cuffs,” Qu Sheng said, asking who Lin Xizhao was making them for.

Lin Xizhao smiled at her words and said, “The wrist cuffs are for Jiayu. She’s getting married soon, and I want to give her something.” Gold and silver were too vulgar; only an object she had sewn with her own hands, stitch by stitch, could express her feelings.

“You want one too?” Lin Xizhao finally realized that Qu Sheng must have originally thought the wrist cuffs were for her, but the pattern wasn’t to her liking, which made her feel puzzled.

Qu Sheng didn’t speak, lowering her head. Lin Xizhao understood. Smiling, she raised her soft, warm, slender hand to caress Qu Sheng’s cheek, coaxing, “After I finish this one for Jiayu, Jiejie will make one for you too, alright?”

A few moments after Lin Xizhao spoke, the little head rubbing against her waist lifted again, a hint of a smile on her face.

“Oh, you,” Lin Xizhao chided her affectionately, lightly tapping the tip of Qu Sheng’s nose with her thumb.

Anything Lin Xizhao made, Qu Sheng would subconsciously assume was for her. It wasn’t her fault; indeed, for so many years, all the scented sachets and handkerchiefs Lin Xizhao had embroidered were for Qu Sheng. She had never given them to anyone else.

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Zhao Residence.

Qu Yu stayed at the Zhao Residence and left after breakfast. The two of them were not yet married, and he was afraid of bringing any unpleasant gossip upon Zhao Jiayu.

After seeing Qu Yu off, Zhao Jiayu skipped all the way to Xiao Bingying’s courtyard.

By now, Xiao Bingying already knew what had happened in the front courtyard. Seeing Zhao Jiayu looking pleased as if riding a spring breeze¹, she knew that she wasn’t angry at all anymore.

“Ah Jie, how is Cheng Xi?” Zhao Jiayu tilted her head to look at Xiao Bingying, who was sitting outside by a small stove.

Xiao Bingying glanced at her and replied with a smile, “She slept through the night and is much better, but her illness is a bit strange. I want to find a doctor to take a look at her.”

Xiao Bingying’s original diagnosis was accumulated cold² and a deficiency in both blood and qi³. But she had been treating her for so long, and she didn’t know if it was a problem with her own medical skills or if Cheng Xi’s body was just too weak. She was seeing improvement, but not a full recovery.

“We should get a doctor. I’ll go. You just stay here in the residence and don’t go anywhere,” Zhao Jiayu said, about to leave.

“Jiayu.” Xiao Bingying turned and called out to Zhao Jiayu.

Zhao Jiayu turned back at the sound, blinking her eyes as she asked, “Is there anything else, Ah Jie?”

“Could I trouble you with one more thing? Could you go to Cheng Xi’s courtyard and bring back that ginseng Xizhao gave us?” Xiao Bingying had left in such a hurry that she hadn’t gone to Cheng Xi’s courtyard at all.

That ginseng was too precious. At the time, she had only cut off a small piece to brew a single bowl, fearing that Cheng Xi’s deficient body could not take tonics⁴. The remaining large portion was still at the Xiao Residence.

Hearing this, Zhao Jiayu nodded and said, “Don’t worry, leave it all to me.” After taking a few steps, she thought of Cheng Xi’s little maid. “Should I bring Chi Li over as well?”

Xiao Bingying and Cheng Xi were neither relatives nor friends, yet she was tending to her so personally, almost like a servant girl.

Xiao Bingying’s face showed hesitation. Bringing Chi Li back would probably require Zhao Jiayu to negotiate with her mother again, and she might even have to endure a round of sarcasm.

“Alright, leave it to me.” Whenever Zhao Jiayu saw that look on Xiao Bingying’s face, the one that said she didn’t want to trouble her, her heart ached. She so wished her Ah Jie could be a little more confident. But if they were to switch places, she might not even be able to be like Xiao Bingying, possessing a heart so pure and free of hatred.

Watching Zhao Jiayu leave, Xiao Bingying carried the brewed medicinal soup into the room. Cheng Xi was awake now and looked up when she saw Xiao Bingying come over.

Xiao Bingying entered the room and met Cheng Xi’s gaze, but Cheng Xi’s stare always made her unconsciously look away.

She didn’t know what was wrong with her; she just didn’t dare to look directly at Cheng Xi.

“Thank you for last night.” Cheng Xi’s voice was clear and cold, but it no longer held its previous rejecting posture.

Hearing this, Xiao Bingying raised her head, a reserved smile on her lips as she said, “Last night… it’s my meimei⁵ you should be thanking.” If Zhao Jiayu hadn’t gone over last night, they probably wouldn’t have been able to leave.

Even if they had left and returned to the residence, it likely wouldn’t have been peaceful. It was even possible that Cheng Xi would have been taken away.

“Mm, I should thank her. But if you hadn’t arrived in time, I’m afraid…” Cheng Xi wanted to speak but then stopped. She probably didn’t want to say the rest, finding even the memory of it disgusting.

“Don’t overthink it. The medicine is brewed. It’s still warm, just right for drinking.” Xiao Bingying didn’t know how to comfort people. She spoke as she handed the medicine bowl to Cheng Xi.

Cheng Xi lowered her head to look at the bitter medicine Xiao Bingying held out, still steaming slightly, then raised her eyes to look at Xiao Bingying again.

Xiao Bingying met her gaze for a moment, then lowered her head again to look at the medicinal soup in her own hands.

Following Xiao Bingying’s gaze, Cheng Xi fixed her eyes on the medicine bowl once more. She reached out to take it. As she secured her grip on the bowl, she noticed that Xiao Bingying’s fingertips, which had touched hers, quickly retracted.

Cheng Xi stared at Xiao Bingying’s hand as it pulled back, clenched into a fist, and then fiddled with her own dress. She looked up at Xiao Bingying and said, “You’ve worked hard.”

Hearing this, Xiao Bingying raised her head and smiled. “It’s nothing.”

Cheng Xi drank the medicine, her soft lips pursed and her brows furrowed. Xiao Bingying immediately handed her a bowl of clear water, saying, “Rinse your mouth.”

Cheng Xi looked at the water being offered, then raised her eyes to look at Xiao Bingying again.

For so long, she had been on guard against Xiao Bingying, but after yesterday’s events, she seemed to realize that Xiao Bingying’s situation in the Xiao Residence wasn’t very good either.

As Cheng Xi rinsed her mouth, Xiao Bingying picked up the spittoon.

Cheng Xi spat out the bitter-tasting water in her mouth, and Xiao Bingying quickly placed the spittoon on the floor and fetched a handkerchief.

“Wipe your mouth.”

Watching Xiao Bingying’s practiced movements, Cheng Xi seemed to realize that Xiao Bingying had done this for others before, though she wasn’t sure for whom.

After Cheng Xi finished her medicine, Xiao Bingying was about to leave with the bowl.

“Wait a moment,” Cheng Xi’s cool voice held a trace of urgency.

Hearing this, Xiao Bingying asked, “Is there something else?”

“How are the injuries on your body?” Yesterday, her body had been weak, and her senses of hearing and sight were somewhat blurred, but she had vaguely heard what happened outside Xiao Bingying’s door.

At her words, the corners of Xiao Bingying’s lips curled up slightly. “It’s nothing. My clothes were thick, so I wasn’t hurt.”

Being whipped with such a heavy leather whip, it was impossible to be completely unscathed; it was just that her skin hadn’t been broken.

“Get some medicinal wine⁶, I’ll help you apply it,” Cheng Xi said as she prepared to get off the bed.

She didn’t need to lie in bed all the time. Getting up and walking around a little wouldn’t be a problem.

Seeing Cheng Xi get off the bed, Xiao Bingying quickly said, “It’s really nothing. I’ll just have my meimei help me later.”

“We are both women, there’s no need to be shy. She hasn’t returned yet. I’ll be gentle,” Cheng Xi said, walking up to Xiao Bingying.

There were maids in Xiao Bingying’s courtyard, but for something like bringing Cheng Xi medicinal soup, she had come personally.

Seeing this, Xiao Bingying’s lips moved slightly. “Alright then.”

Xiao Bingying instructed the maid outside to fetch the medicinal wine. The maid put the medicine down and went out again. Besides Lin Xizhao and Zhao Jiayu, Xiao Bingying didn’t really like having people in her room, but Cheng Xi was an exception.

“Do you want me to help you undress?” Cheng Xi asked, seeing Xiao Bingying staring down at the medicinal wine in her hands.

Hearing this, Xiao Bingying quickly said, “No, I can do it myself.”

The injuries on the rest of Xiao Bingying’s body weren’t as severe, but the collar of her clothes around her shoulders and neck was too thin, and the bruises were now fully visible. It was just that the collar covered them, so they couldn’t be seen.

Cheng Xi had only just noticed them when Xiao Bingying turned sideways.

Xiao Bingying pulled her collar open a little, turning her injured side toward Cheng Xi.

Cheng Xi looked at Xiao Bingying’s posture and the small bit of injury she revealed, her face showing confusion.

“Like this, it will be very difficult for me to apply the medicine properly.”

Hearing Cheng Xi’s words, Xiao Bingying glanced at her, her eyes blinking.

“Take it all off,” Cheng Xi said as she opened the stopper of the medicinal wine bottle.

Cheng Xi lightly sniffed the scent of the medicinal wine. When she looked up, she found Xiao Bingying looking at her, seeming very nervous.

“Want me to help you?” Cheng Xi asked tentatively, her gaze shifting down to the sash at her waist.

“No, no need.” Right now, Xiao Bingying really wanted to leave, but she didn’t know what excuse to use. She shouldn’t have agreed to let Cheng Xi help her in the first place.

Holding the medicinal wine, Cheng Xi’s gaze was gentle yet scrutinizing as she watched Xiao Bingying slowly take off her outer robe. Seeing her reveal only her fair shoulders and arms, a hint of a smile actually appeared at the corners of her eyes.

“I’ve never seen you so shy,” Cheng Xi said as she poured the medicinal wine into her palm.

When Xiao Bingying looked up at Cheng Xi, Cheng Xi had already placed her warm fingers on her neck.

From the initial coolness, to the warmth of her palm, and then to the fiery heat of the rubbing, Xiao Bingying forgot the pain.

Cheng Xi didn’t ask if it hurt, because her touch was very light, but because of this, she had to rub for a while longer.

At this moment, Xiao Bingying’s face was slightly flushed, and she didn’t dare to look up at Cheng Xi. It wasn’t until the door was pushed open that Xiao Bingying shot to her feet.

“You two…” Zhao Jiayu stared, stunned, as she saw Cheng Xi’s hand on Xiao Bingying’s neck, her fingers seemingly about to slide downwards.

Seeing Zhao Jiayu’s stunned and frowning expression, Xiao Bingying quickly shrugged her shoulders and put her clothes back on properly. “Jiayu, you’re back so soon?”

Xiao Bingying asked guiltily as she tied the sash at her waist.

Seeing that Zhao Jiayu was still staring blankly at the two of them, Cheng Xi explained, “Miss Bingying was injured last night. I was helping her apply medicine.”

Hearing this, Zhao Jiayu’s nostrils flared. She sniffed the alcoholic scent in the room, then glanced at the medicinal wine bottle on the table. Only then did she break into a smile and say, “Aiya, I misunderstood.”

“Princess.”

Zhao Jiayu took a few steps forward, and Chi Li, who was behind her, followed her in.

Hearing Chi Li’s voice, Cheng Xi looked up at her and nodded. When she looked back at Zhao Jiayu, there was an added trace of gratitude in her eyes.

“No need for words of thanks. My Ah Jie is so concerned about you, you’d better treat her well in the future,” Zhao Jiayu said as she went to the table, picked up the medicinal wine bottle, and sniffed it. After confirming from the smell that it was the good medicinal wine from their residence, she put it back and poured herself a cup of hot tea.

“Jiayu, what nonsense are you talking about?” Xiao Bingying was stunned for a moment by Zhao Jiayu’s words, her expression becoming unnatural.

Zhao Jiayu moved the teacup from her lips, raised an eyebrow, and swallowed the hot tea in her mouth. “Hm? Did I say something wrong? I’m getting married soon, so I can’t just leave the residence whenever I want like before. You can’t always go over there either. With Cheng Xi here to keep you company and relieve your boredom, I can be at ease. It’ll keep you from getting stifled.”

“Jiayu,” Xiao Bingying’s voice grew a little urgent, wanting Zhao Jiayu to shut up. She had never thought of having Cheng Xi keep her company.

Listening to their conversation, the corners of Cheng Xi’s lips curved slightly. “Don’t worry, I will.” She couldn’t promise to make Xiao Bingying happy, but she could at least relieve her boredom.

Hearing Cheng Xi’s promise, Zhao Jiayu looked up at her and said, “The doctor will be here in a little while. From now on, you two will live here. As long as my Ah Jie doesn’t get married, you don’t have to go back.”

Cheng Xi had already heard when the servant came to pass the message earlier today. Hearing this, she curtsied. Zhao Jiayu had said there was no need for thanks, but the courtesy was still necessary.

When Zhao Jiayu went to fetch Chi Li, Qu Yu had already beaten her to it and brought the person out. She was curious as to how Qu Yu knew that Cheng Xi had a little maid.

Qu Yu had already gone to help fetch a doctor, who was estimated to arrive in a short while.

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Three days later.

These past few days, Lin Jianhai had been leaving early and returning late. He had only had dinner with Lin Xizhao and the others once. Lin Jianhai’s expression was peaceful, not at all like he was angry. There had been no news of Lin Xikuan these few days, and Lin Xizhao and Lin Xirui couldn’t help but grow anxious.

During the meal, Lin Xirui would constantly glance at Lin Xizhao. And Lin Xizhao, while eating, was also somewhat absent-minded. The two of them really wanted to ask Lin Jianhai where Lin Xikuan had been sent. But since they hadn’t seen Lin Jianhai for the past few days, they could only wait.

Today, seeing that Lin Jianhai looked well and had a decent appetite, he had already asked someone to bring him another bowl of rice.

“Father has been spending less and less time at the residence these days. Has His Majesty assigned Father another important task?” Lin Xizhao’s soft and gentle voice inquired quietly.

Lin Xizhao never used to ask about these things. At most, she would remind Lin Jianhai to rest more or to wear more clothes when it was cold.

Hearing this, Lin Jianhai glanced at Lin Xizhao and said, “Mm, His Majesty has been troubled by state affairs recently. It is a subject’s duty to share His Majesty’s burdens.”

Lin Xizhao hummed softly in acknowledgment and served him some dishes. “State affairs are naturally important, but Father must also take care of your health.”

Hearing his daughter’s concern, Lin Jianhai nodded. “Mm, no need to worry. Your father’s body is still very strong.”

Lin Jianhai wasn’t considered old; among the officials at court, he was still relatively young.

As he spoke, Lin Jianhai ate his last mouthful of rice with the dishes Lin Xizhao had served him.

“Father, how is Second Brother now?” Lin Xirui couldn’t hold it in any longer. Lin Jianhai was about to finish eating, and who knew when he would see him next.

Hearing this, Lin Jianhai looked up at Lin Xirui. Seeing how he immediately shut his mouth after asking the question, not daring to say another word, he turned his gaze to Lin Xizhao.

Lin Xizhao’s willow-like brows furrowed slightly. When she looked up, her eyes met Lin Jianhai’s.

Lin Xizhao’s temperament wasn’t soft, but she doted on her two younger brothers. For Lin Xirui to ask like this, he had probably said such things to Lin Xizhao many times.

“He is fine, no need to worry.” Lin Jianhai said as he stood up. As if remembering something, he added to Lin Xirui, “In a few days, I will find another teacher for you to temporarily instruct you in your studies.”

Hearing this, Lin Xirui quickly stood up and said, “Many thanks, Father.”

When Lin Jianhai left, Lin Xizhao didn’t ask any more questions, because she knew that even if she did, she wouldn’t get any answers.

Seeing Lin Xizhao’s worried expression, yet not knowing what to do, Qu Sheng stood up, stretched, and knocked over a bowl of soup on the dining table that hadn’t been finished.

The no-longer-hot soup dripped from the table onto Qu Sheng’s dress.

Seeing this, Lin Xizhao quickly pulled Qu Sheng away from the table and took out a handkerchief to help her wipe the soup from her clothes.

“Did you get burned?” Lin Xizhao asked urgently as she wiped.

“Ah Jie, are you confused? Sheng-meimei’s soup has been sitting there for so long,” Lin Xirui reminded her, seeing Lin Xizhao’s worried expression.

The soup had been served to Qu Sheng as soon as it arrived. She had already drunk half of it, and it had been sitting for a long time. How could it still be hot?

If it were hot, how could Qu Sheng have drunk it?

Hearing this, Lin Xizhao’s tense expression relaxed. She had been thinking about Lin Xikuan just now and hadn’t reacted properly for a moment.

“Are you done eating?” Lin Xizhao stood up and asked Qu Sheng, who had been watching her the whole time, in a gentle voice.

Hearing this, Qu Sheng nodded after a moment and said, “I’m done. Change clothes.”

Her dress was dirty, so of course, it had to be changed.

“Alright, I’ll take you to change.” Lin Xizhao had lost her appetite now. Hearing Qu Sheng’s voice, her chaotic thoughts were somewhat cleared away.

“Xirui, once you’re done eating, have someone clear the table,” Lin Xizhao instructed.

Hearing this, Lin Xirui watched Lin Xizhao and Qu Sheng leave. After wolfing down two more mouthfuls of rice, he said to the servants, “Clear it all away.” Then he hurried after Lin Xizhao and Qu Sheng.

“Ah Jie.” Lin Xirui caught up with them in quick strides.

Hearing his voice, Lin Xizhao and Qu Sheng stopped and turned around. She asked quizzically, “What is it?”

“Ah, nothing. I’ll go sit in your courtyard for a bit,” Lin Xirui said, glancing at Qu Sheng.

It was improper for Lin Xirui to follow along when Qu Sheng was going back to change her clothes.

“Wait a bit. I’ll take Sheng’er to change, then go to your place.” Lin Xizhao knew Lin Xirui wanted to talk to her about Lin Xikuan, but right now, Qu Sheng was more important.

Hearing this, Lin Xirui glanced at Qu Sheng, seemed to realize his thoughtless impoliteness, and quickly said, “Alright, alright, I’ll go back to my courtyard first then.”

After Lin Xirui left, Qu Sheng’s gaze lowered slightly as she followed Lin Xizhao back to the courtyard.

Lin Xizhao fetched a new set of clothes for Qu Sheng. As she helped her dress, she said, “This was sent over by Yimu⁷ this morning. I have one too. You try it on first.”

Qu Sheng held out her arms, letting Lin Xizhao put the outer robe on her and then fasten the sash at her waist.

Qu Sheng looked down at Lin Xizhao’s focused expression, her gaze deep as she pondered how to remind Lin Xizhao again.

Just as she was thinking, Lin Xizhao’s hand, which was tying the sash at her waist, suddenly slowed.

“Clothes,” Lin Xizhao murmured softly to herself. “Xikuan’s clothes.”

It had been three days. He should have been sent clean clothes to change into.

If Lin Xikuan had been taken out, how could he not have taken any clothes with him?

She had even gone to check Lin Xikuan’s room yesterday; the new clothes there hadn’t been taken.

After helping Qu Sheng dress, Lin Xizhao had someone summon the laundry maid. She asked her about the clothes she had recently washed for Lin Xikuan and then had her take a look inside Lin Xikuan’s room.

Lin Xizhao learned from the laundry maid that besides the clothes on his back, Lin Xikuan hadn’t taken a single item with him.

Three days. Lin Xikuan was a neat freak. It was impossible for Lin Jianhai not to bring him clothes. Something must have happened.

Lin Xizhao had someone summon Lin Xirui and asked, “Do you know where all of our residence’s small, external courtyards are?”

Lin Xirui nodded. “I know them.”

“Good. Take some people now and search them one by one. It’s very likely that Xikuan was injured by Father. Outside is not like our residence. Bring him back first, and I will plead with Father.” Not having changed his clothes for three days, he was probably lying down and unable to move.

Even if the punishment was confinement to reflect on his mistakes, it would be better to do it in the residence. It was cold and freezing outside; it certainly wouldn’t be as comfortable as the Prime Minister’s Residence.

No matter how much of a bastard Lin Xikuan was, he was still just a child. It shouldn’t come to the point where a mistake costs him his life.

Hearing this, Lin Xirui nodded vigorously, then went out and took some servants to find Lin Xikuan.

Two shichen⁸ later, Lin Xirui ran in from outside the residence. When he saw Lin Xizhao, his face was filled with anxiety. “Ah Jie, I’ve searched all the houses. I didn’t find Second Brother.”

“Did you search carefully?” Hearing Lin Xirui’s words, Lin Xizhao felt that couldn’t be right.

If he wasn’t in the small houses, then where could he have been sent? It was too late that night to leave the city. In the early morning, the city gates weren’t open yet, so it was impossible for him to have been sent to the country estate.

“Could he still be in the residence?” Lin Xizhao could only guess bit by bit now. But she was familiar with all the courtyards in their residence, and the residence’s steward…

The steward. As Lin Xizhao pondered, she thought of a possibility. The steward must have lied.

Lin Xizhao didn’t send anyone to find the steward. Instead, she took Qu Sheng’s hand, pinning all her hopes on her.

“Sheng’er, I know you are very knowledgeable about mechanisms. Jiejie wants you to help me see if there are any mechanisms in the residence. Can you help me?”

Hearing this, Qu Sheng thought about what Lin Xizhao had said and knew that she was now aware that Lin Xikuan was still in the Prime Minister’s Residence.

Qu Sheng nodded her head and, holding Lin Xizhao’s hand, led her straight outside.

The Prime Minister’s Residence had been bestowed by the Tiancheng Emperor. When Lin Xizhao moved in, she didn’t have many memories of it, so she didn’t know if there were any secret doors here.

Qu Sheng pulled Lin Xizhao towards the garden by the lotus pond in the residence, with Lin Xirui following closely behind. Qu Sheng walked to a stone wall and stopped, looking at a concave spot in the wall with uneven stones. She reached out, grasped one, and began to turn it.

Qu Sheng turned the stone, but Lin Xizhao and Lin Xirui, watching intently, saw no change.

“Could you have gotten it wrong?” Lin Xirui didn’t believe Qu Sheng could find any mechanism. Besides, he had never heard of any mechanisms in their residence.

“No.” Lin Xizhao was very certain at this moment. Qu Sheng might be slow to react, but in terms of intelligence, she and Lin Xirui combined were probably no match for her.

After Qu Sheng turned the stone, a long while later, a faint sound came from the corner pavilion not far behind them.

Qu Sheng released her grip on the stone, raised her hand to grasp Lin Xizhao’s, and started running, pulling her along.

Lin Xizhao was pulled along by Qu Sheng, running with her all the way to the corner pavilion. Qu Sheng looked at the stone steps at her feet, then turned her head to glance at Lin Xizhao.

“This…” Lin Xirui ran over after them. Seeing the secret passage here, he was so shocked he couldn’t even speak properly.

“I’ll go down and take a look first.” Lin Xizhao wanted to go down, but she didn’t know what was inside, so she didn’t want to take Qu Sheng with her. “Sheng’er, you wait here for a moment.”

“No.” Qu Sheng would not let Lin Xizhao go down by herself.

“I’ll go.” Lin Xirui summoned his masculine courage. A place like this was pitch-black, and who knew if it was dangerous. As a man, he should rightfully put his body before the soldiers⁹ and not let the girls go down.

“Xirui,” Lin Xizhao was worried. “Let’s go together.”

“Together,” Qu Sheng echoed.

Qu Sheng understood mechanisms. Even if there was danger below, she was more capable than these two who didn’t know martial arts.

The three of them were at a stalemate at the entrance for a while before Lin Xizhao had to agree. After the three of them groped their way down into the darkness, it wasn’t long before light appeared inside.

Lin Xirui was in the front, and Qu Sheng was in the back, placing Lin Xizhao in the middle.

“Ah Jie, it’s so cold here.” The further Lin Xirui walked, the more he could feel the chill. “Father couldn’t have locked Second Brother…”

Lin Xirui’s voice echoed in the empty secret chamber. Before he could finish, he saw Lin Xikuan lying on the ground, his feet shackled with chains.

“Second Brother!” Lin Xirui forgot about the cold. Seeing Lin Xikuan lying on the ground, he flew over to him.

Lin Xizhao was also stunned for a moment before she hurried over.

“How could this be?” Lin Xirui couldn’t believe that his second older brother had ended up in this state.

In just a few days, he had lost a whole circle of weight. His hair was a mess, and his body was filthy.

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The author has something to say:

Qu Sheng: “Jiejie’s things are all mine.”

Zhao Jiayu: “I can do without it, as long as you pay for it. The wrist cuffs, starting bid is ten thousand liang of gold.”

Lin Xizhao: “……”

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