Chapter 509: Assassination
Without realizing it, Jiang Qingmei had come to see Xiao Lansi as her pillar of support.
At a time like this, Xiao Lansi was the only person she could think of.
The guard grew impatient. "In your dreams! The Prime Minister has ordered that you are to see no one until the case is solved!"
’So what if Xiao Lansi is a Princess?’
’She only had power because she was attached to Jiang Qingmei and Xiao Chengxuan. Now that they’ve both fallen, her own fate won’t be much better.’
"If you don’t start behaving, don’t blame us for getting rough!"
Jiang Qingmei’s heart trembled, and she finally staggered a step back.
In that moment, she truly understood what it meant to be in a desperate plight—trapped, with no way out.
The only thing she could do was wait!
Jiang Qingmei took a deep breath, forcing herself to calm down.
’It’s alright. The case is still under investigation. I might still have a chance to turn this around!’
She began to replay everything that had happened during the day, thinking of every person, every word.
Both Ye Chutang and Chu Qiyuan had said that Your Majesty’s meal was tampered with long before it was served. That was probably true.
’But... who could it be!?’
At first, Jiang Qingmei had been too consumed by anger and arguments, but now, she was belatedly realizing that some things didn’t add up.
’Very few people knew about Your Majesty’s heart condition. Once it was revealed, everyone would naturally point their fingers at me!’
’Who on earth had seized this vulnerability and tried to frame me for this crime!?’
Jiang Qingmei closed her eyes, trying to search her memories for any clue.
But no matter how hard she thought, she couldn’t figure out how this information had been leaked!
’I never even told Cheng Xuan!’
’Who, who was it? Someone close to me, yet who wanted me dead!’
Suddenly, a name flashed through Jiang Qingmei’s mind!
Her eyes flew open, filled with shock and utter disbelief!
’Could it be—’
...
Under the cover of darkness, Ye Chutang finally returned to the Ye Mansion.
When she lifted Xiao Wu from the carriage, the little bundle was already fast asleep.
Looking at the small, sleeping face, Ye Chutang wrapped the cloak around her more tightly, shielding her from the biting wind.
Xiao Wu seemed to sense something and frowned slightly.
Ye Chutang held her close and patted her gently.
"Don’t be afraid, Xiao Wu. I’m here."
Only then did Xiao Wu’s brow smooth out, and she nuzzled dependently into her embrace.
A maid quickly trotted over to greet them. "Second Miss, shall I take the little miss?"
Ye Chutang shook her head. "That won’t be necessary."
It was rare for Xiao Wu to fall asleep in a carriage, and she couldn’t bear to disturb her.
The maid covered her mouth and quickly took two steps back, raising her lantern to light the way.
And so, Ye Chutang carried Xiao Wu all the way back to her room.
She moved very gently as she placed Xiao Wu on the bed, which was toasty warm from a bed warmer tucked under the covers.
Just as Ye Chutang stood up, Xiao Wu seemed to sense it. Her small mouth moved as if she wanted to say something.
It was silent all around.
But Ye Chutang could clearly see what she was soundlessly murmuring—
Big Sis.
Ye Chutang smiled and stroked her soft, tender cheek.
Things had been so hectic recently. Xiao Wu had been running back and forth with her and was completely exhausted.
’It’s good that she can get a proper night’s sleep.’
...
「A peaceful night’s sleep.」
Early the next morning, just as the sky was beginning to lighten, Ye Chutang got up.
’I have to go to the palace again today.’
After quickly getting ready, she led Xiao Wu into the carriage.
Xiao Wu was clearly not fully awake and soon fell asleep again, leaning against Ye Chutang.
Suddenly, the carriage jolted.
Ye Chutang instinctively pulled Xiao Wu close, then realized the carriage had stopped.
She called out, "What’s wrong?"
No one answered.
A faint scent of blood drifted in.
Ye Chutang’s heart suddenly hammered in her chest!
It was silent outside, as if all sound had been devoured.
She held her breath, her entire body on high alert!
Xiao Wu seemed to sense something. She frowned uneasily and slowly opened her eyes.
She looked around, then gazed up at Ye Chutang, confused and bewildered.
’Big Sis?’
Ye Chutang gently shook her head, signaling that nothing was wrong.
But Xiao Wu was extremely sensitive and quickly realized something was amiss.
Just then, she finally caught the scent of blood—a smell both familiar and foreign. She hadn’t smelled this dangerous scent since returning to the Capital City!
Xiao Wu pressed her lips together and silently pulled away from Ye Chutang’s embrace.
’If something happens, I’ll only be a burden to Big Sis.’
Ye Chutang lowered her gaze to look at the child’s wary and faintly fearful expression, and her own eyes grew colder.
’Normally, a situation like this wouldn’t frighten Xiao Wu.’
’After all, she had seen far bloodier and more brutal scenes.’
’But it just had to be inside a carriage!’
Ye Chutang’s mood soured, and her voice became exceptionally cold.
"If you have a grievance, take it up with me. If you want revenge, I am your target. Why harm the innocent?"
As her voice faded, a dead silence fell outside.
The two sides seemed to be locked in a silent standoff.
Ye Chutang scoffed. "What, you have the guts to act but not to take responsibility? You don’t even dare to show your face?"
Her words finally drew a response.
"They say the Ye Family’s Second Miss is sharp-tongued and never yields an inch. Seeing you today, I find the rumors to be true."
A man’s raspy voice called out, laced with contempt and ridicule.
"Still, to have such courage is rare indeed."
The voice was completely unfamiliar.
But the speaker seemed to know her very well.
Ye Chutang raised her hand, but her sleeve was suddenly pulled taut.
She turned to see Xiao Wu’s exceptionally pale little face.
’Big Sis, don’t!’
’It’s too dangerous outside the carriage. How can Big Sis possibly be a match for them all by herself?’
It was as if countless fragmented, frantic images were flashing through her mind, causing a stabbing pain in her head.
An immense fear welled up from the depths of her heart, threatening to drown her like a flood.
She could barely breathe.
Ye Chutang noticed something was wrong with Xiao Wu. She frowned and touched the child’s forehead, only to feel an icy coldness.
’This scene must have triggered her trauma again...’
The corners of Ye Chutang’s lips curved slightly. She gently stroked the child’s face, her voice soft and soothing. "Don’t worry, Xiao Wu. I’m just going to talk with them."
Xiao Wu opened her mouth, then finally, slowly, released her grip.
But her dark, clear eyes remained glued to Ye Chutang.
After reassuring her, Ye Chutang turned and parted the curtain, her expression instantly turning cold.
Her exquisitely beautiful face was devoid of expression. At a glance, she looked like a figure carved from ice and snow, radiating a bone-chilling cold.
A man slowly appeared in front of the carriage.
He wore a face covering and his hood was pulled low, completely obscuring his face and even his figure.
Only his sinister eyes were visible, and they held a hint of suspicion as they looked at her.
"Second Miss Ye actually knows martial arts?"
’Otherwise, how would she know it was "them," and not just "him"?’
’There were never any rumors about this before.’
His words were a test.
Ye Chutang just looked at him and asked coolly, "Does it matter whether I know martial arts or not?"