Chapter 263: Entering the Crown Prince Residence

Chapter 263: Entering the Crown Prince Residence

Shunzi had also prepared some food for him, but his cooking skills were not very good, and the food he made could barely satisfy one's hunger.

Mo Xiuyan, already weak and lacking appetite, only took a few bites before stopping.

At this moment, Mo Jiuye and He Zhiran arrived, bringing with them sea cucumber congee and side dishes.

Mo Jiuye fed his fourth brother a little more, then He Zhiran handed over several medicines suitable for his condition to Shunzi, instructing him to administer them on time.

After taking the medicine, Mo Xiuyan noticed that the two were still in disguise and asked, "Ninth Brother, do you plan to go out again?"

Today, Mo Xiuyan was too weak, and Mo Jiuye had only mentioned the exile. Mo Xiuyan did not know the details or the true purpose of Mo Jiuye's visit to Southern Xinjiang.

If his fourth brother were healthy, Mo Jiuye would have told him everything, but given his current state, he couldn't bear any more shocks. Therefore, Mo Jiuye decided to keep these matters hidden for now.

Of course, as a son of the Mo family, he had the right to know. Mo Jiuye planned to tell him once his health improved.

"Fourth Brother, I came here with Ranran to find something. Once we find it, we'll return to the Northwest together."

Mo Xiuyan didn't know what his ninth brother was looking for, traveling so far to Southern Xinjiang. He didn't ask further, only nodding gently, "Be careful when you're out."

"Don't worry, Fourth Brother!" Mo Jiuye reassured him, then instructed Shunzi to take good care of Mo Xiuyan before leaving with He Zhiran.

Their goal today was the Prince's Mansion in Southern Xinjiang, to complete their second objective there.

Since the fourth princess from Great Shun was married to the Prince of Southern Xinjiang, the most likely place to find the skin would be within the Prince's Mansion.

Mo Jiuye had previously led an army into the Capital City of Southern Xinjiang, so he was familiar with the terrain.

The two sped through the streets and soon arrived at the gates of the Prince's Mansion.

It was evident that the security around the Prince's Mansion was extremely tight. There were two teams of soldiers patrolling the front gate, and who knew how many more were hidden elsewhere.

Even if they planned to climb over the wall, they had to be wary of hidden spies, making the task incredibly difficult.

Despite this, Mo Jiuye and He Zhiran were determined to investigate the mansion.

They pretended to pass by, walking around the perimeter of the mansion's walls until they reached the back courtyard.

Security was slightly less strict there, but there were still guards patrolling.

Mo Jiuye seized the opportunity, picked up He Zhiran, and leaped over the wall.

Just as a patrol approached, he quickly pulled her into a corner to hide. When the guards moved away, they cautiously emerged.

To move freely within the heavily guarded mansion, Mo Jiuye devised a plan.

Two night watchmen approached. After exchanging glances, Mo Jiuye and He Zhiran circled behind them, knocked them unconscious with swift blows, and swiftly changed into their clothes, taking their tools.

To prevent the unconscious watchmen from waking up, He Zhiran gave each of them a needle, ensuring they remained asleep.

It wasn't out of kindness, especially for He Zhiran, who was a military doctor in her past life and never took lives lightly, except for those who deserved it.

These two watchmen were clearly servants bought by the Prince's Mansion, earning their living through labor, so there was no need to kill them.

After handling everything, He Zhiran carried a lantern, while Mo Jiuye held a bamboo stick used for striking the hour, wandering around the mansion.

Mo Jiuye was familiar with the layout of the Capital City of Southern Xinjiang, but not with the internal structure of the Prince's Mansion.

They relied on experience to search, knowing that the fourth princess of Great Shun, now the main consort of the Prince, should have a larger courtyard. Thus, they focused on finding such a place.

Unknowingly, they reached a large courtyard.

This courtyard stood out, brightly lit and filled with music. Mo Jiuye, with his keen hearing, could even hear women laughing inside.

As he planned to investigate further, two dark-clad guards appeared.

The guards sternly ordered them to leave, "Hurry up and get out of here. Do you think you can spy on the Prince's residence?"

Mo Jiuye nodded, pulling He Zhiran along, "Yes, yes, we'll leave right away."

Though they were driven away, they learned that the Prince of Southern Xinjiang was inside.

It seemed the Prince enjoyed luxury, which was fine since it didn't hinder their search for the fourth princess.

Leaving the Prince's quarters, they continued walking.

Soon, they saw a maid rushing towards the Prince's chambers.

Perhaps she was too anxious, and near them, she tripped and fell.

He Zhiran took the opportunity to help her up, lowering her voice, "Sister, be careful."

The maid grabbed He Zhiran's arm, struggling to stand, but her ankle seemed twisted, causing her to nearly fall again.

Now, she was even more frantic.

"Young man, please inform the Prince that the Empress has fainted. Ask him to send a shaman to check on her."

He Zhiran understood the custom of consulting shamans in Southern Xinjiang but wondered why the Empress needed the Prince's permission for a shaman.

Moreover, she recognized the maid's accent as being from Great Shun, suggesting she was a palace maid accompanying the fourth princess.

Mo Xiuyan noticed this and intervened to prevent the maid from realizing He Zhiran's accent, "We can't enter the Prince's chambers."

"What should we do? The Empress is so ill. If a shaman doesn't come soon, she might die." The maid was close to tears, showing her desperation.

Seeing this, He Zhiran quickly gave Mo Jiuye a meaningful glance.

Mo Jiuye understood instantly and said, "This young brother's ancestors were shamanic healers, and he knows some medical arts. Why not let him go and take a look at Her Highness the Crown Princess first, while you find someone else to seek an audience with His Highness the Crown Prince?"

The maid knew well that given her current situation, running to seek help from the Crown Prince would take a lot of time. The Crown Princess's chambers were close by, so it would be better to take these two back to help examine her first, and then send others to find the Crown Prince.