Chapter 98: The Warmth She Usually Carried
"What do you mean she has yet to return?"
Xie Rong’s brows knitted tightly as he looked at Mo Yan, who stood before him with his head lowered, "The banquet ended nearly half an hour ago."
Mo Yan cupped his fists apologetically.
"This subordinate deserves punishment. After the Flower Banquet concluded, this subordinate waited outside the pavilion as instructed. However, due to palace regulations, this subordinate was forbidden from entering the Inner Palace where the noble ladies gathered."
He paused for a few seconds, "I believed Young Madam would return with Qing’er and the other ladies through the main corridor."
His expression grew solemn, "But... she never appeared."
Before Xie Rong could respond, the carriage curtain was abruptly lifted.
Xie An’an leaned out of the carriage, her brows knitted together.
"Gege..." She hesitated for a moment before speaking again, "I’m afraid... Sister-in-law may have encountered some trouble."
Xie Rong’s gaze immediately shifted toward her, "Explain."
"Earlier, Miss Zhao’s betrothal pouch went missing. It was eventually discovered inside Sister-in-law’s gift box." She paused, secretly observing Xie Rong’s expression.
"Fortunately, Sister-in-law managed to clear her name, and the Princess Consort ordered the matter to be investigated further."
After another brief hesitation, she continued, "When the banquet ended, I happened to see Sister-in-law walking toward the western garden instead of coming to the palace gate."
"I called after her once, but she neither turned around nor answered me." Xie An’an lowered her eyes. At the time, I assumed she simply wished to be alone after everything that had happened... I never imagined she would still be missing."
Xie Rong remained silent.
His expression did not change in the slightest, yet the air around him seemed to grow noticeably colder. "Did Qing’er remain with her?"
Xie An’an shook her head, "I did not pay much attention after that. By the time I boarded the carriage, neither Sister-in-law nor Qing’er was anywhere to be seen."
A brief silence followed.
Xie Rong turned his gaze toward Mo Yan, "You said she never came to the palace gate?"
"Yes, Young Master." Mo Yan answered instantly.
Xie Rong’s forehead could be seen frowning, "And no one saw her leave the palace?"
Mo Yan bobbed his head slightly, "This subordinate has already questioned the palace guards stationed at the main gate. They have not seen Young Madam depart."
Silence fell.
Xie Rong looked toward the distant palace gardens.
If Wang Gege had not left the palace then she was still somewhere within its grounds.
"Gege..." Xie An’an called softly, "Should I ask the palace maids to help search as well?"
Xie Rong shook his head, "There is no need." He turned to Mo Yan, "You will escort An’an back to the residence."
Mo Yan was taken aback, "Young Master?"
"I will find her myself." Without waiting for another response, Xie Rong turned and strode back through the palace gate.
His steps were calm, yet noticeably quicker than usual.
Mo Yan watched his master’s retreating figure, surprise flashing across his face.
He had followed Xie Rong for many years. Very rarely... Had he seen his master personally search for someone.
Xie Rong made his way through the winding palace corridors without pause.
The western garden... If An’an had spoken the truth, Wang Gege could not have gone far.
The palace was vast, yet there were only so many places one would seek when wishing to be alone.
Before long, the quiet murmur of flowing water reached his ears. Beyond a cluster of swaying willow trees lay the imperial lotus pond.
The afternoon breeze skimmed across its tranquil surface, sending gentle ripples dancing beneath the fading sunlight.
Xie Rong slowed his steps. Then, his gaze shifted.
Not far from the pond stood a young man dressed in dark blue robes embroidered with golden cloud patterns. His hands were clasped behind his back as he quietly gazed toward the water.
Xie Rong recognized him at once.
The Eighth Prince.
Following the prince’s line of sight, Xie Rong’s eyes gradually narrowed. Beneath the shade of an old willow tree... A familiar figure sat on the stone embankment.
Shen Taotao...
Qing’er stood faithfully a short distance behind her, her expression filled with concern and neither mistress nor servant seemed aware that they had been noticed.
The Eighth Prince did not step forward nor did he speak.
He merely watched the lonely figure by the pond with a faint crease between his brows, as though wondering what could have reduced the young madam, who had calmly defended herself only moments ago, to such a dejected state.
Xie Rong’s expression darkened almost imperceptibly. Without another glance at the prince, he strode toward the pond.
The sound of approaching footsteps caused the Eighth Prince to turn.
Upon recognizing the familiar blindfold covering the young master’s eyes, the prince immediately understood who had arrived. "Young Master Xie."
Xie Rong inclined his head in greeting, "Your Highness."
The Eighth Prince glanced once toward the willow tree, where Wang Gege remained seated by the pond.
"Young Madam Xie has been here for some time." His tone remained calm, neither curious nor intrusive, "This prince believes... she is waiting for someone."
Xie Rong remained silent for a brief moment before replying, "This subject thanks Your Highness."
The Eighth Prince smiled faintly, "Then this prince shall not intrude."
With that, he turned and departed with his attendants, leaving the quiet pond to the husband and wife.
Xie Rong remained where he stood.
Although the Eighth Prince’s figure had long since disappeared beyond the winding corridor, his brows remained faintly furrowed.
That composed and courteous manner... It was merely the face he showed the world.
During the past year, Xie Rong had quietly gathered all the information he could regarding the imperial court.
The result left little room for doubt.
The Eighth Prince’s reputation for being courteous and easygoing was nothing more than a carefully crafted façade.
Beneath that calm exterior hid a patient and calculating man who excelled at eliminating his enemies without leaving a trace.
Of all the imperial princes... He was the one Xie Rong had resolved never to underestimate.
"Young Master..."
Qing’er’s surprised voice snapped Xie Rong from his thoughts.
He gave a slight nod before making his way toward the stone embankment.
The sound of measured footsteps gradually drew nearer. Only then did Wang Gege slowly lift her head and their eyes met.
Xie Rong’s gaze quietly swept over her face.
Although she had lowered her head before he approached, the faint redness lingering around her eyes had not escaped his notice.
His brows knitted almost imperceptibly, "Furen."
Wang Gege slowly raised her head again.
Xie Rong stood before her, his expression as composed as ever.
"The banquet has long since ended. Why have you not returned to the carriage?"
After a brief pause, his brows furrowed almost imperceptibly. "Are you feeling unwell?"
Wang Gege remained silent for a moment before slowly rising to her feet.
She lightly dusted the folds of her skirt and shook her head.
"This one is... fine." Her tone was gentle and... polite.
It was strangely devoid of the warmth she usually carried whenever she spoke to him.
Without waiting for his response, she turned toward Qing’er, "Qing’er."
"Yes, Young Madam." Qing’er bowed slightly.
"Let’s go home."