I am the champion of palace intrigue, and even the proud prince bows his head in submission.

Chapter 447 We will arrive in the capital tomorrow

Qin Jiuwei and Xie Yanli exchanged a glance and sighed inwardly.

Given Li Mama's current mental state, she probably won't be able to get anything out of her.

Qin Jiuwei turned to the maid and instructed, "Take good care of her. Her medication must not be stopped. If anything unusual happens, report it immediately."

The maid nodded repeatedly and respectfully agreed.

After giving their instructions, the two turned and left.

As night deepens, the bamboo shadows sway gently.

After the maidservant saw the two off, she slowly closed the courtyard gate.

After a moment of silence, Granny Li stared blankly at the roof beams, her body twitching intermittently.

Suddenly, as if provoked by something, she clutched her head and began to mutter incoherently, letting out low moans.

A moment later, the strange noise suddenly stopped.

Granny Li's previously frantic and unfocused eyes gradually focused and became exceptionally clear.

She sat there blankly.

Blurry images began to appear in my mind.

The gloomy sky hung low, a fierce wind howled outside the window, and rain pounded against the windowpane.

Suddenly, a figure burst through the window.

The man in black moved nimbly, holding a baby tightly in his arms.

He looked anxious and practically lunged into the house.

The man was soaking wet, covered in mud and blood.

The image in Granny Li's mind was fixed on the small figure in the man in black's arms.

The baby's cry was faint, yet it clearly pierced through the thunder and rain.

But, in the next instant—

Suddenly, Granny Li began to wail again, clutching her head. The clear light in her eyes gradually faded, and she fell back into madness.

She was rocking back and forth in the deckchair, shouting incoherently.

The main building of Qinglan Courtyard.

The gauze window is half-rolled up, the wind stirs the dappled shadows of bamboo, and the chirping of insects echoes in the stillness.

The room was dimly lit, with flickering candlelight.

A maid served a pot of chilled fruit tea, with mint leaves and a few thin orange slices floating in the cup, exuding a refreshing aroma.

Qin Jiu leaned against the soft couch, having changed into light, casual clothes, a few strands of hair at her temples fluttering in the wind.

Xie Yanli sat next to her, his clothes slightly open, and his expression less aloof than when he was out in public.

Qin Jiuwei picked up the fruit tea, took a sip, and sighed softly.

"The clues have stalled here."

“Granny Li is a key witness, but unfortunately she is severely insane and there are no substantial clues in the case file.”

Upon hearing this, Xie Yanli turned his head and quietly glanced at her, his eyes calm.

Then, he raised his hand and pulled her into his arms.

Qin Jiuwei leaned against him, feeling the familiar warmth of his body. After a moment, she asked in a low voice.

"Who do you think is the murderer?"

Xie Yanli pondered for a moment, "The biggest beneficiaries of this matter are the Empress Dowager and Gao Xian."

"But Gao Xiancai was only one year old at that time, so it was impossible for him to plan it himself."

"Therefore, it was most likely the Empress Dowager who instigated it."

Upon hearing this, Qin Jiuwei slowly nodded, "That's what I think too."

The Empress Dowager is capable of doing such a thing.

She has always been ruthless and decisive, showing no mercy.

"However, it's all just speculation. Without evidence, nothing can be said." Xie Yanli lowered his head, his voice slow.

Qin Jiuwei leaned against him, tilting her head slightly, her eyes revealing a hint of seriousness.

"If... if there is real evidence that the Empress Dowager was responsible, would you avenge the eldest prince and his wife?"

Upon hearing this, Xie Yanli remained silent for a moment, his dark eyes narrowing slightly.

After a long silence, he answered in a low voice, "Perhaps."

"Or perhaps...no."

Xie Yanli paused, then suddenly curled his lips into a smile and said, "Besides, it's possible that we're overthinking it. After all, I'm not necessarily the eldest prince's child."

Qin Jiuwei couldn't help but laugh when she heard this.

"Hmm...you're right."

forecourt.

A man in black rushed into the courtyard, panting as he knelt on the ground to report.

Meng Chen turned his head and looked at him. "What is it?"

The man in black spoke with barely concealed excitement and eagerness.

"The master sent a secret message that he will arrive in the capital tomorrow!"

Meng Chen stood up abruptly, his eyes gleaming with barely suppressed joy.

"What? Who are you talking about?"

The man in black quickly bowed his head, presented a secret letter with both hands, and repeated his voice.

"I have personally confirmed that it is a letter written by the master himself. The letter says that you should wait at that old place tomorrow, and he will come to see you in person."

Meng Chen took a deep breath, and the light in his eyes gradually brightened.

-

The following morning, at Qinglan Courtyard.

Qin Jiuwei was reviewing a gift list that had been delivered when she suddenly heard footsteps outside.

A moment later, a guard rushed in, knelt on one knee, and whispered his report.

"Young Madam, Master Li has gone out."

Qin Jiuwei's gaze was calm, and her voice was unhurried: "Follow him."

The guard obeyed the order, and with a flash, he silently retreated.