Chapter 219: The Storm Arises

Chapter 219: The Storm Arises

"Miss Kou?" Upon seeing Xin You, Prince Xiu was somewhat surprised.

Xin You wasn’t too surprised, though.

Prince Xiu's residence was adjacent to Prince Qing’s residence, and since the teahouse was close to Prince Qing’s residence, it was naturally close to Prince Xiu’s as well. It was not unusual to encounter Prince Xiu here.

"Greetings, Prince Xiu."

"Miss Kou, no need for such formality. Are you here for tea?" Prince Xiu’s tone carried a familiarity.

Xin You, recalling Prince Xiu’s friendliness at the He Garden banquet, responded politely, "Yes, I’m here for tea. Is Prince Xiu also here for tea?"

Prince Xiu smiled, "This teahouse is quite peaceful and close to the royal residence, so I come occasionally."

"Then I won’t delay Prince Xiu’s tea time." Xin You bent her knees slightly in a gesture of farewell and headed toward her carriage.

As Xin You boarded the carriage, Prince Xiu looked up and saw King Qing watching from the second-floor window.

King Qing recognized him as well.

The two brothers, one sitting upstairs and the other standing on the street, met each other’s gaze from afar.

King Qing sneered and turned his gaze away.

Prince Xiu lowered his eyes for a moment of silence, then turned and headed back to his residence.

For the next few days, Xin You quietly waited for news from He Qingxiao, when suddenly a rumor emerged: these days, the Jinlin Guard was searching for Mr. Songling, who was associated with the long-lost Empress Xin!

It had been over a decade, and it seemed that both the court and the public had forgotten about the empress, but now, with this rumor, it immediately caused a huge uproar.

In the court, whether Empress Xin returned or not would undoubtedly change certain dynamics. Among the public, some still remembered the empress’s kindness, and for many, there was no juicier gossip than this.

The grieving Count of Gu Chang’s residence was too overwhelmed to react, but some more astute families began to wonder if Count Gu Chang’s death was related to the empress.

Otherwise, why would there be news of the long-lost empress immediately after the death of Count Gu Chang, who had been favored by His Majesty?

When King Qing heard about this, his heart sank.

In recent years, things had been relatively calm, but when he was younger, he had often heard about this empress from his mother, Consort Shu.

It was said that the empress was narrow-minded and jealous, refusing to allow his father to expand his harem. Astonishingly, his father indulged her and only secretly took in concubines.

Such behavior was unprecedented. If this empress returned, how could his mother and others have peaceful days?

King Qing’s first reaction was to go to the palace to see Consort Shu, but he soon remembered Xin You’s words.

Miss Kou had said that his future fortunes weren’t good, and she had been right again!

The advisors of the royal residence also advised, "His Majesty has not summoned you, Your Highness. It’s best if you go to the palace less frequently; stillness is better than movement."

"Stay low-key," King Qing muttered under his breath.

"What did Your Highness say?"

King Qing snapped back to attention, "Nothing. I need to go out for a while."

The advisor's face changed: "Your Highness, are you planning to visit Miss Kou?"

Prince Qing froze for a moment: "How did you know, Mr. Hu?"

He had visited Qingsong Bookstore a few times, but it wasn’t something that could be guessed so quickly, was it?

However, the advisor had a different theory: "Rumors have been circulating that Mr. Songling is connected to the missing Empress Xin, yet Mr. Songling has been missing. I know you wish to inquire about Mr. Songling's whereabouts from Miss Kou, but there are probably several people watching her closely now. Your Highness's position is sensitive; it's best to avoid suspicion."

Prince Qing nodded slowly: "What you say makes sense."

Miss Kou’s warning had proven accurate; he should lie low for now.

Prince Qing abandoned the idea of seeing Miss Kou, while Xin You sent someone to look for He Qingxiao.

It was clear that this news had not been leaked by the Jinlin Guard.

After Shitou came back, he brought a message: "Lord He has entered the palace."

"Go attend to your duties," Xin You said calmly, but inwardly she began to worry for He Qingxiao.

If Lord He went to the palace now, he’d likely face a reprimand.

At that moment, He Qingxiao was in the palace, facing the grim-faced Emperor Xingyuan.

"How did the news about the Jinlin Guard’s search for Mr. Songling get out?"

Emperor Xingyuan's sources of information, of course, went beyond just the Jinlin Guard.

"It is my failure to control my subordinates, please forgive me, Your Majesty."

"Has there been any progress on finding Mr. Songling?" Emperor Xingyuan asked again.

He Qingxiao lowered his head: "Not yet, Your Majesty."

"The person we are looking for cannot be found, yet the news has spread widely. Qingxiao, you have disappointed me."

He Qingxiao knelt: "I am guilty."

Sitting on the imperial throne, Emperor Xingyuan looked down at the kneeling young man, his expression growing darker.

After a suffocating silence, the emperor's voice, devoid of any emotion, rang out: "I don’t believe a living person like Mr. Songling can simply disappear. I want results by the end of the month. Qingxiao, do not disappoint me again."

"Yes."

As he left the palace, the warm sunlight hit his face.

Spring was nearing its end, and it wouldn't be long before it was April.

The end of the month was the deadline given by Emperor Xingyuan.

Back at the office, He Qingxiao was informed by his subordinates that someone from Miss Kou had come looking for him.

He nodded but did not immediately arrange anything. Instead, he retrieved a secret report he had just received.

It was a secret report from Dingbei.

After reviewing the report once more, he headed out.

At Qingsong Bookstore, Boss Hu idly fiddled with the abacus, a little troubled.

Mr. Songling is in serious trouble!

Originally, the affairs of these imperial relatives were far removed from us common folks, but in recent months, they have become commonplace. If anything happened to Mr. Songling, it would have a major impact on our bookstore.

"He's here," Liu Zhou said as he saw the white-bearded elder walking in, and hurried forward to welcome him.

It was Meng Jizuo who had come.

Ever since Meng Jizuo read *The Painted Skin*, although he couldn't be called a regular customer of the bookstore, he occasionally dropped by to browse.

Hu Boss also came to his senses and greeted Meng Jizuo enthusiastically.

"Go about your work," Meng Jizuo waved as he headed towards the bookshelves, but his gaze flicked toward the door of the reception room.

The blue cloth door curtain lifted, and Xin You walked out of the reception room.

"Sir Meng," she greeted.

Meng Jizuo asked with a smile, "Miss Kou, do you have any new books?"

"We've reprinted a few classics and literary works. Would you like to take a look, Sir Meng?"

"Is the third volume of *Journey to the West* not out yet?" Meng Jizuo asked as he walked deeper into the shelves.

Xin You naturally followed him. "It was supposed to be released, but recently there have been some rumors about Mr. Songling. I think it's safer to wait a little longer."

Meng Jizuo gave the calm and composed girl a deep look.

Rows of bookshelves filled the room, with the scent of ink lingering in the air.

"Miss Kou considers it a mere rumor?" Meng Jizuo suddenly asked.

Xin You's face showed a moment of genuine surprise, and then she shook her head. "I'm not sure. I've worked with Mr. Songling on business a few times, but I haven't asked about his personal life."

"I see," Meng Jizuo said, drawing out his tone, which sounded somewhat meaningful.

Xin You remained calm and composed.

Qingsong Bookstore had the closest ties to Mr. Songling, and now countless people were watching. If she showed any hesitation, more problems would follow.

Meng Jizuo glanced at the entrance of the main hall and took out a scroll from his sleeve, unfolding it.

"Miss Kou, is this a portrait of Mr. Songling?"