Chapter 56: Do You Know That Person?

Chapter 56: Do You Know That Person?

To diversify the inventory of her newly opened shop, He Zhiran randomly picked some calligraphy scrolls and jewelry to hang inside.

Likewise, after linking these selected items, they instantly vanished.

He Zhiran wasn't worried. After all, this Taobao Baby was entirely different from what she knew in her previous life. It could automatically estimate prices and upload images. It was reasonable for it to collect the goods in advance.

After two hours of work, He Zhiran successfully uploaded 20 items.

The most valuable was a calligraphy scroll by a renowned artist, estimated by the system to be worth between 1 million and 1.3 million yuan.

The cheapest was a silver hairpin, priced at 15,000 yuan.

For Taobao Baby, these prices were relatively high, so He Zhiran didn't have high hopes for sales.

As long as they could provide some money for her to fall back on, that would be enough. She had plenty of gold and jewels in her space anyway.

As long as she could maintain good relations with the officials, she could always replenish her supplies.

The completion of the shop's inventory was a significant accomplishment for He Zhiran.

Since her arrival in this era, this was the first time she had spent such an extended period within the space.

Glancing at the wall clock, she realized it was already half past eleven at night.

Considering Mo Jiuye wouldn't return for a while, He Zhiran decided to head to the bathroom.

She tentatively turned on the faucet, and water gushed out, warm and inviting.

Leaving the capital, the journey had been arduous and filled with hardships, leaving her clothes dust-laden.

He Zhiran decided to thoroughly cleanse herself before resuming her journey.

Swiftly, she shed her patched garments, tossing them into an automatic washing machine for cleaning, while she indulged in a delightful hot bath.

The long-lost sensation brought an indescribable comfort to both her body and mind. As the white suds silently drained away through the floor drain, it seemed to carry off all her day's discomforts.

Fearful that Mo Jiuye's estimation of time might have changed, He Zhiran dared not linger too long.

After a hasty bath, she wrapped herself in a towel from her previous life and stepped out of the bathroom.

She retrieved a hairdryer to blow-dry her hair.

At this moment, the washing machine beeped, signaling the end of its cycle.

He Zhiran took out the slightly damp clothes and used the hairdryer to hasten their drying process.

Then, she swiftly dressed and exited the space.

It was already past midnight, yet Mo Jiuye had yet to return.

Considering they had to continue their journey the next day, He Zhiran laid down in bed to conserve her energy for the road ahead.

However, with her thoughts preoccupied, falling asleep proved challenging. Resigned, she closed her eyes to rest her mind.

Time passed by gradually. Glancing at the clock in the space, it was already past two in the morning.

Mo Jiuye still hadn't come back.

He Zhiran felt restless.

She was terrified that Mo Jiuye might encounter an accident during this critical period, rendering all her efforts futile.

Unfortunately, at this moment, all she could do was wait.

Gazing at the paper window across from her, it had already begun to show signs of dawn's approach.

Occasional cockcrows echoed outside, indicating that sunrise was near.

He Zhiran's anxiety grew; several times, she contemplated going out in search of him.

However, considering Mo Jiuye's capabilities and assuming he would be safe, she restrained herself.

Just as she was overwhelmed with anxiety, the door finally creaked open.

The tall figure that had occupied her thoughts all night reappeared before He Zhiran's eyes.

Mo Jiuye's expression was grave, and He Zhiran guessed that he must have picked up some valuable information.

"How did it go?"

Mo Jiuye nodded and sat down on the edge of the bed.

"Everything went smoothly. I thought the ones who were supposed to silence Li Hu wouldn't show up. Just as I was about to leave, the target finally appeared. There were two of them. After they dealt with Li Hu, I followed them to a courtyard, where I personally witnessed the eunuch Li Hu mentioned who had contact with him."

He Zhiran's eyes widened in inquiry. "Do you know that person?"

Mo Jiuye's gaze turned even more profound, and He Zhiran could also detect a hint of disappointment in his eyes.

"I know him like the back of my hand. He is Li Lu, a eunuch who has served Prince Nan Qi since childhood."

Upon hearing Mo Jiuye mention Prince Nan Qi, He Zhiran appeared genuinely surprised.

In the historical records she was familiar with, Prince Nan Qi was destined to become the next emperor of the Great Shun Dynasty.

It was also he who had exonerated Mo Jiuye and built a monument in his honor for future generations to remember him.

If the historical records were accurate, Nan Qi should have treated Mo Jiuye quite well. So why did he do such a thing?

On this matter, He Zhiran was baffled despite racking her brains.

Moreover, judging from Li Hu's actions, he could indeed frame himself for fleeing by implicating Zhou Laoba. This could be seen as his way of avenging Li Rouer.

But if he was convicted of fleeing, the Mo family would face harsher punishment, and the officials might even report to the court to impose heavier penalties on the Mo family.

This indicated that Li Hu had malicious intentions towards every member of the Mo family.

Without any instructions from above, He Zhiran would never believe that Li Hu would do such a thing.

"You have a grudge against the Third Prince?"

Upon being asked about his relationship with the Third Prince, Mo Jiuye explained in a deep voice.

"We were born on the same day and were chosen by the Emperor to be his study companions since we were young. Until we turned sixteen, we were practically inseparable, except when we slept.

Our bond is unbreakable; even Emperor Shunwu believes that I will be the greatest support for Third Prince in his quest for the throne."

Hearing this, He Zhiran became even more perplexed.

"Why would he send people to hinder you if your relationship is so strong?"

"I followed those two to that courtyard and overheard their conversation. According to Li Lu, it's because I know too much about Nan Qi, and he fears that I might divulge this information, which is why he planted spies within the official escort."

To his surprise, Li Hu had betrayed their original intention for the sake of Li Rouer, turning from a spy to a backstabber."

He Zhiran did not entirely believe Mo Jiuye's words.

If their relationship was truly unbreakable, Nan Qi should have trusted Mo Jiuye and had no need to send anyone to monitor him; offering assistance would have been more logical.

However, considering the historical records, He Zhiran had no intention of passing judgment on Nan Qi. He merely wished to express his genuine thoughts to Mo Jiuye.

"Before the Duke of Guardian's mansion was seized, Nan Qi must have heard some whispers. Did he send you any advance warning?"

Mo Jiuye shook his head decisively. "Not at all."

"Given that he couldn't inform you beforehand, perhaps he had his own predicament. With the unbreakable bond between you two, logically speaking, when Duke's Manor faced such a great calamity, he should have helped smooth things over with these officials for you.

Instead, not only did he fail to do so, he even planted spies among the officials to monitor you.

Can you imagine what Nan Qi's intention might be behind this?"