Chapter 89 Mentioning Cousin; Secretly Jealous

Chapter 89: Mentioning the Cousin · Secret Jealousy

Today, when Qin Jiao sent a message to the Prince's residence, he mentioned that he had a favor to ask of Xie Nai, but it had been delayed and not yet discussed.

Taking the tea Qin Jiao handed him, Xie Nai gestured, “Let's hear it.”

Qin Jiao didn't hold back. “I’d like Your Highness to help me investigate Qin Chaole. I noticed a strong smell of ‘Charming Spring’ on him.”

Charming Spring was an aphrodisiac produced by Zhaoxiu Tower in Nanzhou. Earlier, Yun Niang had lost her sanity and committed suicide because of this drug.

Previously, Qin Jiao had caught a faint scent on Qin Chaole during several encounters. Since Qin Chaole was born and raised in the capital and had never been to Nanzhou, Qin Jiao never associated it with Charming Spring. It wasn't until that day, when they left Miao Mao’s residence together and the scent of Charming Spring on Qin Chaole was so strong it could barely be concealed, that Qin Jiao suddenly realized Qin Chaole was connected to the mastermind behind the Nanzhou murder case.

“Also, Miao Mao. Since he’s been regulating Qin Chaole’s health, he definitely knows the inside story. Investigate him too.”

Qin Jiao had always felt that Physician Miao Mao harbored many secrets, and he even suspected whether Charming Spring might be his handiwork.

“Alright, I’ll have Luo Ri look into it.”

Xie Nai agreed to Qin Jiao’s request, then recalled he had something else to tell him. “By the way, that Zuo Mengmeng and…”

“Today, Zuo Mengmeng…”

Qin Jiao looked at Xie Nai in shock. “Why did Your Highness mention her as well?”

“Because Zuo Mengmeng and Li Xiaohu are both victims who went missing in the Nanzhou murder case.”

Qin Jiao was horrified. “How does Your Highness know?”

Qin Jiao had only become suspicious after being in close contact with Zuo Mengmeng and Li Xiaohu today and detecting the scent of Charming Spring on them. How had Xie Nai determined their identities?

Xie Nai quickly clarified: “Earlier, their names were on the prayer ribbons in the secret room of Zhaoxiu Tower.”

“If that’s the case, then the Second Prince’s claim that they are his maidservants must be false.”

It seemed plausible. Zuo Mengmeng and Li Xiaohu were strikingly beautiful, dressed in luxurious garments, and could freely purchase items in the northern district of Tongjia Manor. They also had lavish horse-drawn carriages for travel. This treatment was more like that of favored concubines, not maidservants.

“Earlier, Xun Xi said that the master in the capital is of noble status, comparable to the Prince of Lingnan.”

Speaking recklessly about the royal family was a serious crime. Qin Jiao hesitated only briefly before saying, “The Second Prince has many suspicions, and his status matches. Could it be him?”

“I have already sent Luo Bei to confirm the identities of Zuo Mengmeng and Li Xiaohu. Whether it’s true or not will be clear in a few days.”

That day, after learning the names of Zuo Mengmeng and Li Xiaohu at the Miao residence, Xie Nai dispatched Luo Bei back to Nanzhou. By now, he should be nearly back.

“Then let’s wait.”

In truth, Qin Jiao wasn’t certain; it was merely a guess. After all, if they had been trafficked, why wouldn’t they seek help? Were they dazzled by wealth and reluctant to leave, or did Xie Chengyi have other means of coercion?

He had intended to investigate Qin Chaole, but unexpectedly, Zuo Mengmeng and Li Xiaohu were dragged into it. Qin Jiao consoled himself that this brought them closer to the truth, so he could count it as an unexpected gain.

Noticing that the tea in Xie Nai’s cup had lost its heat, Qin Jiao poured him a fresh serving. Just as he set down the teapot, the stall owner brought their food: “Guests, your orders are here!”

“Thank you, boss.”

The steaming dishes were placed on the table. Qin Jiao handed a pair of chopsticks to Xie Nai. “Your Highness, please give it a try.”

Under Qin Jiao’s expectant gaze, Xie Nai picked up a crab meatball.

“How is it?”

“Not bad.”

“That’s great!” After receiving Xie Nai’s approval, Qin Jiao eagerly placed a piece of roast duck on his plate. “Your Highness, try the roast duck. It’s excellent too.”

As a host, Qin Jiao naturally hoped his guest would enjoy his recommendations. Seeing Xie Nai eating with relish, Qin Jiao also picked up a tender, fragrant crab meatball.

The food before him was steaming hot. Eating the familiar flavors, Qin Jiao’s memories uncontrollably drifted far back…

Back then, Qin Jiao was a bit mischievous, always thinking of sneaking out of the manor to play. Xiao Ning Shi usually forbade it, but whenever Qin Jiao’s cousin came, he could take advantage of his cousin’s company to go out and wander around.

The two brothers wouldn’t go far. After a stroll through Jinxing South Street, they would settle at this food stall, bask in the sun, and wait for Xiao Ning Shi to come find them at sunset.

“What are you thinking about again?”

Xie Nai’s voice interrupted Qin Jiao’s reverie. “Nothing, just suddenly thinking about my childhood.” Putting down the small spoon, Qin Jiao sighed, “Speaking of which, this place was actually introduced to me by my cousin. He’s from the south and never could get used to hot and sour soup, but every time I ate it, he would accompany me.”

“You never mentioned this cousin before.”

Qin Jiao didn’t catch the coolness in Xie Nai’s tone and smiled, “He’s a distant relative of the Ning family. His parents died early, and we often played together as children. But later, he went to Lingbei for his studies, and I haven’t seen him in a long time.”

“I see.”

In the distant sky, a few stars were scattered near the moon.

Qin Jiao couldn’t help but sigh, “Time really flies.”

Xie Nai narrowed his eyes slightly. “Indeed, it does. After tomorrow, the New Year will be over.”

“Yes, after the New Year, spring will come.”

If Xie Nai hadn’t mentioned it, Qin Jiao would have almost forgotten that tomorrow was the fifteenth day of the first lunar month—the last day of the New Year.

Looking back, this New Year had been full of events: the terrifying charred corpse before the holiday, the market officials abusing power and merchants being wronged during the holiday, and finally, Xie Chengyi’s restless ambition to take charge of the imperial examinations. One incident after another had caused great upheaval in both the court and the marketplace, diluting much of the festive atmosphere.

But fortunately, things were gradually changing. As Qin Jiao and Xie Nai had walked along the street earlier, the business environment in the capital had vastly improved under the coordination of Lin Wen and the Fifth Prince. The taverns and stalls were thriving, and everyone had smiles on their faces.

Thus, Qin Jiao always believed that no matter how convoluted the mysteries or thorny the path ahead, there would eventually be a turning point, leading to a bright future.

—

“Smack—!”

In the dim study, Qin Yuanshan was burning with rage. He hurled the cup in his hand fiercely to the ground, sending shards of porcelain flying everywhere.

Upon seeing this, Qin Chaole let out a soft snort.

Qin Yuanshan grew even angrier at Qin Chaole’s attitude. “You reprobate! How dare you be insolent!”

Kneeling on the ground, Qin Chaole looked as fragile as a thin bamboo, as if a slight twist could snap his neck.

His voice was soft yet calm. “Father, you misunderstand.”

Concubine Yin was also kneeling beside him. “Yes, my lord, please don’t be angry. Chaole wouldn’t dare to disobey you.” Her frail body was mostly shielding her son.

“Disobey?” Qin Yuanshan snorted coldly.

“What wouldn’t he dare! Do you know why I sent Qin Jiao to the Miao residence? If it weren’t for him causing trouble, would the Second Prince have been so furious?”

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