Power and oppression? Low status?
In the past, Cai Zhuo only knew how to handle matters well, but today, he could deeply relate to these words. Rarely losing his temper, he simply stated that those who had not been thoroughly investigated should be prioritized, and he wanted results as soon as possible.
The Dragon Guard then mentioned that the Crown Prince was one of them.
By singling him out, are you trying to tell me that he is the prime suspect? Just because that Demoness was presented by him?
In response, Cai noted that among those who had not been thoroughly investigated from the palace entourage, most were capable individuals close to their master. Only the Crown Prince was in a hurry to leave the palace, and he alone refused to disclose the reason for his departure. The guards had even received several lashes from him.
What was more suspicious was that he had left the palace last night and had yet to return.
Now, at this critical moment, if the Dragon Guard were to leave the palace, there must be an order. I ask Cai for your convenience.
Gentle stepped forward at this moment. "How about I lead the way?"
It's just a person; there's no need for you!
If the person is not in the Great Prince's Mansion, with limited numbers in the Dragon Guard and restricted duties, it would be more adept for The Office of Censors in Jingjing City to find someone.
Cai Zhuo could not refute this and turned away in frustration.
Gentle did not actually need his approval; it was merely out of respect for elders. As he led people outside, Sang Qingxiao stopped him and whispered, "Let's go together! There's a grand performance in the Great Prince's Mansion!"
Old Vine received news that since it wasn't in the palace, it hid itself among the Dragon Guard when they left. It wanted to see what Jingjing City looked like after several months. Turning left and right near the Great Prince's Mansion, it heard a clear and bright voice singing.
At first, it sounded similar to what a troupe would sing, but later on, the music turned into a lamentation, expressing the bitterness of life. Old Vine's eyes turned red from listening and wanted to investigate further.
As it climbed over the wall and ventured deeper, it saw the Crown Prince listening intently to the performance.
During Monarch's serious illness, whether as a son or a prince, it was inappropriate to openly indulge in entertainment. Moreover, the music had already drifted outside; the Crown Prince was not foolish enough to act so recklessly.
Old Vine had heard many performances before; this tune was new to it. From the lyrics, it expressed love and longing. Watching the performance unfold, it seemed heartfelt; as it progressed towards the end, emotions intensified. Old Vine even detected resentment and hatred?
This felt ominous.
Yet this foolish Crown Prince seemed completely oblivious. Sitting at a table in front of the stage with fruits, tea, and dried meat laid out before him—along with bags of copper coins—he eagerly tossed coins whenever an actor sang a line. Still wanting more excitement, he called over his attendants and guards to join him.
After about half an hour of singing from the actor, his voice became hoarse, yet the Crown Prince continued without pause. Eventually, the actor began to remove his clothes and twist his waist. The Crown Prince's eyes sparkled with excitement as he waved for everyone else to leave.
Once the main door closed tightly behind them, only he and she remained in that space.
The Crown Prince eagerly approached in his outer robe and ran up onto the stage without regard for her thick makeup. He kissed her fiercely several times. "My dear heart! I personally sent you into the palace back then; I couldn't bear to part with you."
For the sake of my father’s health and your future, such a unique woman like you deserves to be in the imperial harem, living as someone of high status, rather than being with a prince with no prospects like me. It would be a shame for you to be with someone like me.
Unfortunately, the world does not understand my filial piety, nor can they see your worth. It almost led to your demise. I have not been careful enough, and I fear this time has frightened you.
The actress replied with her distinctive voice, "How could I not be afraid?"
Hearing this made the Crown Prince's heart soften. "It’s all my fault. During this time, I have been thinking of you constantly and trying to find ways to convey messages to my father. Thankfully, we have endured hardships together."
The actress nestled closer to the Crown Prince and playfully said, "My lord, I am afraid. The Emperor is unpredictable, and before he acts, he has spoken with me."
"If they find out about me, what will happen? My life is worthless; if I die, it’s just death. But if it implicates you, then I would become a great sinner."
As she spoke, tears began to fall from her eyes. The Crown Prince felt a pang of pain in his heart. Despite his sorrow for her, he did not forget the seriousness of their situation. Seeing that the atmosphere had warmed up and that her heart was filled with thoughts of him, he continued to comfort her.
"My dear, if something happens to me, it will surely be my own fault. What does it have to do with you, a mere woman? I am not one to blame beautiful women for my own shortcomings."
"As long as you are obedient, I will always protect you."
His hand wandered slightly as he noticed her gaze becoming increasingly dreamy. He then shifted the conversation back to business. "You sent me a message saying you knew about my father's illness. Is that true?"
"Your Highness," she replied softly, "my heart has always belonged to you. How could I deceive you?"
"And you said that my father's life or death is in your hands—true or false?"
With seductive eyes, she leaned in and kissed him lightly. "Your Highness, it can indeed be in your hands. I can offer it all to you; do you want it?"
Of course he wanted it!
While his heart raced with desire, reason still lingered in his mind. It was astonishing that such a small woman could possess such great power; Song Yiyi's appearance was truly unexpected.
At that time, the Emperor had been poisoned by Mushroom Poison. Although the poison was cleared from his system, the damage done to his body was irreversible. Other factions were stirring restlessly; however, after being reminded by someone, he sought another path by using filial piety as an entry point.
Soon after, one piece of information after another appeared before him, gradually leading him to a small town.
The information indicated that there was an Old Pharmacist who was obsessed with longevity and health preservation. He had adopted many young girls and trained them from childhood through various methods such as herbal medicine, medicinal baths, and acupuncture to cultivate them into medicinal girls—this had remarkable effects.
The Crown Prince knew this news sounded absurd; relying on his own power to investigate did not uncover who transmitted the information. Instead, he found related books where several historical records mentioned similar cases that surprisingly aligned with official history.
Half-believing and half-doubting, the Crown Prince decided to send a confidant to investigate further for the hope of ascending the throne. However, as a prince, he was somewhat sensitive to court affairs.
Moreover, since historical records often mentioned that Pharmacist Girls were usually beautiful, driven by curiosity and caution, the Crown Prince changed his mind and decided to see for himself.
On his journey, every piece of guiding information turned out to be true. When he arrived at the location described in the messages, he saw Song Yiyi.
The Old Pharmacist not only abducted young girls and made them test medicines but also profited greatly from selling medicinal materials while forcing these girls to earn money for him.
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