The Duke's Pampered Darling is So Scheming

Chapter 462: Chapter 462: Jade Pendant

Ye Chutang turned around and saw a dashing figure dressed in red stride in.

It was Princess Qingyang.

Ye Chutang’s eyes crinkled in a smile. ”Princess, how did you find the time to come to the palace today?”

Consort Rong was also delighted to see her. ”Ayue, you’re here!”

Being able to address Princess Qingyang so directly and affectionately by her personal name was a clear sign of their close relationship.

Princess Qingyang unfastened her fox-fur cloak, casually handing it to a nearby palace attendant before walking in, looking much more comfortable.

”Well, I was just—”

She had barely spoken when Consort Rong raised a finger, gesturing for her to be quiet.

Only then did Princess Qingyang notice Emperor Muwu lying on the bed. He had just taken his medicine and his eyes were closed, and she couldn’t tell if he was asleep.

”I was just concerned for His Majesty, you see!”

Princess Qingyang was quick on the uptake, immediately offering a curtsy with a sweet smile.

”Li Yue greets Your Majesty! Long live Your Majesty!”

Her voice, however, was much quieter.

Emperor Muwu’s fingers twitched slightly. A moment later, he turned his head to the side, and his breathing grew even.

Princess Qingyang was a little baffled.

She instinctively glanced toward Ye Chutang.

Ye Chutang gave a subtle shake of her head and shot her a meaningful look.

Princess Qingyang understood. However, when she turned and saw Consort Rong’s haggard expression, she couldn’t help but whisper:

”Consort Rong, I know His Majesty is unwell, but you must take care of yourself, too.”

She had heard some time ago that Emperor Muwu was ill and had not held court for days, but she hadn’t realized it was this serious.

’No wonder even the Eldest Princess has gotten involved...’

With red-rimmed eyes, Consort Rong smiled and shook her head. ”I know my limits. Ayue, you don’t need to worry about me.”

Knowing Princess Qingyang had come to speak with Ye Chutang, she gave a considerate wave of her hand. ”Your timing is perfect. Chutang just finished up here. Go keep her company and get some rest.”

Princess Qingyang agreed at once and pulled Ye Chutang out of the room.

Ye Chutang found this strange. ”What’s wrong? Did something happen?”

Princess Qingyang glanced around to make sure no one else was nearby before speaking. ”You haven’t heard, have you? One of the Southern Hu Blade Men from the assassination attempt at the hunting grounds has confessed!”

A flicker of light crossed Ye Chutang’s eyes. ”Oh?”

Princess Qingyang had rushed to the palace to find Ye Chutang the moment she’d heard the news. Seeing her friend’s calm reaction now, she was taken aback.

”How are you not the least bit shocked? Aren’t you curious about what he said!?”

Ye Chutang casually tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear. Her fingertips still seemed to carry the faint, bitter scent of medicine.

She gave a faint smile. ”That’s a matter for the Ministry of Justice. It’s hardly our place to interfere. As for what he said... it seems you already know?”

Princess Qingyang didn’t bother to hide it.

”If I didn’t know, would I be reacting this strongly?”

Her status in the capital was exalted, and with King Yan Nan’s connections, it was perfectly normal for her to be privy to such information.

”There’s no suppressing this news; the case file has already been sent to the palace.” Princess Qingyang’s expression turned grim. ”What else do you think those old geezers in the Cabinet are arguing about?”

Ye Chutang raised an eyebrow.

’It did seem unusually noisy from that direction today. I never thought this would be the reason...’

”So, it’s that thorny of an issue?”

With the Nanhu involved, no one dared to be careless.

Princess Qingyang opened her mouth to speak, then hesitated and leaned in closer.

It was the first time Ye Chutang had ever seen her act so cautiously.

The next moment, she understood why Princess Qingyang was being so careful.

”Thorny doesn’t even begin to cover it!”

Princess Qingyang lowered her voice, though the shock in her eyes had yet to fade.

”They found Xiao Chengxuan’s Jade Pendant on one of the Southern Hu Blade Men!”