Chapter 84 Attempt to Seize by Force; Sever the Source of Calamity

Chapter 84: Plotting to Seize by Force, Severing the Root of Disaster

Earlier, Xie Xuanran had invited Qin Jiao and Xie Nai to Jushengxuan for roasted chicken under the guise of Lin Wen's name. Back then, Xie Xuanran mentioned he had a plan to topple Xie Chengyi and needed Qin Jiao's help.

Qin Jiao initially thought his role was just to keep watch and gather intelligence, but Xie Xuanran actually intended for him to be the one to "charge into battle."

"I've received word that Second Imperial Uncle harbors covetous intentions toward Young Master Qin and has been trying to seize him by force. We can use this opportunity to cut off his scheme at its root."

Qin Jiao still remembered Xie Xuanran's words vividly. It was then that he learned Xie Chengyi had long harbored designs on him.

According to Xie Xuanran, back during the incident at the Eastern Shao Temple, Xie Chengyi had already sent people to investigate him.

At the time, Qin Jiao was completely unaware of this; in fact, he couldn't even understand why Xie Chengyi would take an interest in him, given that he had never had any direct contact with Xie Chengyi before today.

Xie Xuanran's original plan was to have Qin Jiao act as bait to lure the snake out of its hole. Since Xie Chengyi had designs on Qin Jiao, why not let him capture Qin Jiao? Then Lin Wen, acting as Qin Jiao's fiancé, would submit a memorial accusing the Second Prince. Meanwhile, the Prince of Lingnan would apply pressure from the side on Guozhang Li and the Second Prince's Faction, thus defeating Xie Chengyi without lifting a single soldier or spending a single coin.

Xie Xuanran's plan sounded good, but both Lin Wen and Xie Nai rejected it on the spot.

Lin Wen mainly refused to submit the memorial under the identity of "Qin Jiao's fiancé." He suggested that it would be best if Qin Jiao broke off their engagement, so that Xie Chengyi, seeing that Qin Jiao had no backing, would act even more recklessly, allowing them to catch Xie Chengyi's weakness more quickly.

Although Lin Wen's suggestion was self-serving, Xie Nai agreed to the dissolution of Lin Wen and Qin Jiao's engagement. However, he did not agree to let Qin Jiao put himself in danger.

Xie Chengyi's temperament was erratic, even more unpredictable than Shen Fuqing, and Qin Jiao was so frail. Besides, matters had not yet reached a point where Qin Jiao needed to sacrifice himself to achieve their goal.

At the time, Qin Jiao replied to Xie Xuanran that he needed a few days to consider.

Later, the "New Year's Eve Charred Corpse Case" and the "Market Misconduct Case" broke out, rendering Xie Xuanran's plan unnecessary as Xie Chengyi was stripped of his authority over the Ministry of Revenue.

However, although Xie Chengyi had suffered a setback this time, the Second Prince's Faction in the court had not given up their schemes.

One day, Qin Jiao overheard a conversation between Qin Yuanshan and someone else in the mansion, roughly to the effect that:

"Two months from now will be the time of the Tianyuan Dynasty's imperial examinations. Since the Minister of Rites recently broke his leg, the Second Prince intends to take charge of this examination. Nominally, it's to atone for his previous mistakes in the Ministry of Revenue, but in reality, he wants to select worthy talents for himself and win over the newly successful scholars to his side."

Over the years, Qin Jiao had always followed the principle of avoiding harm and seeking advantage. Since he knew Xie Chengyi had his eye on him, he would certainly not willingly walk into a trap—not even if Xie Xuanran asked.

The approach of "No gain without risk" was completely unworkable for him.

Therefore, a few days ago, Qin Jiao sent Cong Shuang to deliver a letter to Lin Wen, asking him to convey to Xie Xuanran that he could not help topple the Second Prince.

Lin Wen never replied afterward, and Qin Jiao didn't know whether Xie Xuanran had other plans.

However, encountering Xie Chengyi at Miao Manor today was something Qin Jiao had not anticipated at all. Even more unexpected was that Xie Xuanran had sent someone to notify Xie Nai. So it was no wonder Xie Nai suspected that today's events were prearranged by Qin Jiao and Xie Xuanran.

Seeing that Xie Nai was still sullen, Qin Jiao wanted to break the tense atmosphere. Feigning confusion, he said:

"I'm also curious—how did His Majesty know that the Second Prince and I would meet at Miao Manor?"

Upon hearing this, Xie Nai looked at Qin Jiao with a deep, unfathomable gaze.

From the very beginning, Qin Jiao knew that Xie Nai had beautiful eyes—bright as moonlight when clear, and full of oppressive depth when dark. A single glance from those eyes could make anyone lose themselves.

Qin Jiao held Xie Nai's gaze for a moment, then had to look away, unable to bear it.

This man was truly lethal.

Xie Nai's gaze was heavy as he looked at Qin Jiao. After a long while, he said calmly, "Perhaps it was just a coincidence."

Qin Jiao was silent for a moment. "Alright, if Your Highness says it's a coincidence, then it's a coincidence."

With that, Qin Jiao reached for the teapot to pour tea. As his sleeve shifted, revealing his slender, fair wrist, Xie Nai asked, "Why aren't you wearing the Fengxue Bracelet today?"

Taking the Fengxue Bracelet from his bosom, Qin Jiao spoke unhurriedly: "I've kept the Fengxue Bracelet safe, Your Highness. Don't worry, it won't be lost."

Xie Nai's voice was flat: "It's not that I'm worried about losing the bracelet."

"Oh..." Qin Jiao sensed something in Xie Nai's look, and a hint of awkwardness crept over the young master as he turned his face away.

Qin Jiao carefully tucked the Fengxue Bracelet back into his chest, while opposite him, Xie Nai's gaze remained deep and inscrutable. After a moment's thought, Qin Jiao decided to tell Xie Nai the truth: "Well… to be honest with you, I actually came here today to 'fish for something.'"

Xie Nai was a little surprised. The young man's handsome brows lifted slightly, signaling for Qin Jiao to continue.

Since the topic had come this far, Qin Jiao stopped holding back: "You already know I've been poisoned with Blood Withering for ten years, Your Highness. I want to find out where this poison came from and who administered it. The old servants in the mansion said that Doctor Miao is skilled with poisons and once treated me many years ago."

He didn't elaborate further, but Xie Nai was too perceptive. One hint was enough for him to deduce a hundred things beyond.

Xie Nai didn't press him further. He simply said, "The young master has a plan in mind. I trust you will gain something."

Qin Jiao smiled. "I hope your words prove auspicious, Your Highness."

As they finished speaking, voices came from not far away.

Qin Ji and Miao Mao were walking together toward the pavilion where Qin Jiao and Xie Nai were seated.

Xie Nai noticed them as well. Turning to Qin Jiao, the young man's thin lips curved into a smirk: "Your fish are here."

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