Chapter 6, Dou E is not as wronged as she is

Shangguan Sicheng gazed deeply at Murong Zi for a moment, then cast a faint glance at the grief-stricken Lin Xier, withdrew his gaze, and then asked in a low voice: "Did you cause Chun'er to die?"

Murong Ziwei was taken aback; when did she reward Chun'er with pastries? Ignoring Lin Xier's piercing gaze, she turned to look at her maid.

Zi Er did not understand the meaning behind the prince's words. I kindly ask the prince to clarify. Raising her head, Murong Zi met those deep black eyes with calm composure, her serene demeanor showing no signs of panic or guilt. She genuinely wanted to understand what had happened.

Regarding her rumored partner, this is the second time Murong Zi has met him. In her memory, Shangguan Sicheng is deep and aloof, with a temperament that is even more enigmatic and difficult to discern. Just his identity and appearance alone are enough to captivate numerous women, especially with his cool demeanor. If it were not for his many wives and concubines, she might have taken a longer look at him.

Your Highness, although Zi'er has acted recklessly in the past, she is not without a sense of responsibility. If she truly harbored ill intentions towards the Princess and Chun'er, she would not have resorted to underhanded tactics. To claim that Chun'er was harmed by Zi'er raises the question of what motive Zi'er would have. Moreover, Zi'er did not even see Chun'er yesterday, yet the Princess hastily concluded that it was Zi'er who was responsible. Is this not too rash? I implore Your Highness to discern the truth and clear Zi'er's name of this unjust accusation

In response to the performance of Consort Hua, Murong Zixin felt disdain. Clearly hating the other to the core, yet still able to put on a facade of deep sisterly affection, one cannot help but wonder how exhausting it must be for a person to live in such duplicity all day long

Lin Xier raised her tear-filled eyes, seemingly unable to endure the woman before her any longer. She changed from her usual gentle demeanor, clenched her teeth, and looked at Murong Zi, "Your Highness, do you intend to deny this? Chun'er returned from Ziyou Pavilion in good health yesterday, but unexpectedly, after eating the pastries you gifted her, she ended up dead. If you refuse to acknowledge it, that is fine, but today, I must demand an explanation from you, Your Highness!"

Whoever called her here can deal with her, as I truly have no interest in engaging with some inexplicable individuals

Upon hearing this, Murong Zimei raised her eyebrows slightly and cast a glance around the hall with a look of considerable interest.

In any case, she looks quite exhausted

"Sister Princess, please remain calm. The Prince will surely investigate thoroughly and provide you with an explanation." Facing Murong Zi's calmness and confusion, Lin Xier, filled with resentment, had not yet had the chance to elaborate further when the side consort Hua hurried over, gently supporting her, attempting to pull her away from Murong Zi.

For no apparent reason, borrowing Murong Zi's body to return to life, enduring the endless rumors and gossip was already difficult enough, and now, just a few days later, people are saying that she caused someone's death. Even Dou E might not have been as wronged as she is

It is not only others who can claim injustice; she can as well. Moreover, she is truly wronged

Shangguan Sicheng was as indifferent as a crouching ice sculpture, his deep and inscrutable eagle-like eyes sweeping over the women in the room one by one, finally locking onto the woman in front of him who wore a candid expression. The complex gleam in his deep eyes was difficult to comprehend, as if he were pondering something.

Little Lian, who followed Murong Zi into the room, appeared visibly nervous and apprehensive as she entered. From the conversations among several masters, she had gleaned some hints. When she saw Murong Zi inquiring, she quickly knelt at the feet of everyone present, shaking her head firmly and decisively as she replied: "In response to the county princess, yesterday Chun'er delivered some items and then left. I did not retain her for even a moment, nor did you instruct me to reward her with anything."

During their first meeting, she merely wanted to gauge his opinion on Murong Zi and did not pay much attention to the man. At present, it seemed that some extremely unfavorable events had occurred for her, and in the face of this man's public questioning, she had no choice but to confront him directly

"You are talking nonsense!" Lin Xier clearly did not believe it, pointing her slender finger at Xiao Lian, "She is your master, so naturally you are speaking for her! When Chun'er returned, she clearly mentioned to me that the princess had rewarded her with pastries. Would this consort intentionally frame you?"

Murong Zi blinked and then relaxed. Although the prince's question was direct, it was in line with Murong Zi's previous character to be so straightforward. After all, the former Murong Zi was bold in nature, impulsive in action, and had always acted without considering the consequences. Therefore, it was not surprising at all that Shangguan Sicheng could ask such a direct question now.

Any water can be splashed onto oneself, but she cannot accept this murderous "dirty water". It cannot be accepted casually either

My lord, please observe the attitude of the princess; she still wishes to conceal the matter... I kindly asked Chun'er to deliver some supplements to her yesterday, but not only did she not appreciate it, she actually caused Chun'er's death... Even now, she refuses to admit it... My lord, you must stand up for me...

"Xiao Lian, does this princess have any rewards for Chun'er?" Not to mention how much Murong Zi used to despise Lin Xier and her associates, even now, she would not casually seek to ingratiate herself with others

Perhaps due to her previous experiences in the dissection room dealing with the deceased, she has always preferred solitude. Now, confronted by a group of women, including one or two who seem intent on causing trouble, she inexplicably feels a sense of aversion

I have met the prince. I wonder what the prince has summoned Zier for? Taking advantage of the fact that Concubine Hua was supporting Lin Xier, Murong Zi suppressed her inner displeasure and calmly approached the man seated in the high position, greeting him with composure

Lin Xier suddenly pushed aside Consort Hua, kneeling down at Shangguan Sicheng's feet with tears streaming down her face, seemingly certain that the death of Chun'er was caused by Murong Zi, insisting that Shangguan Sicheng provide a definitive conclusion

To say that one is not angry is a lie, but one need not fear shadows if one stands upright. Rather than competing with the women of these grand estates, blushing and vying for victory, it is more pragmatic to seek justice for oneself in reality

At this moment, he suddenly felt an overwhelming sense of unfamiliarity towards the woman he was so well acquainted with.

She did not pay much attention to Concubine Hua. After listening to Xiao Lian's response, she suppressed the various emotions within her heart and calmly looked towards the high seat

It is a pity that such a man, who exudes arrogance and coldness from the inside out, is not to her taste

"Princess, please calm down; do not let your anger harm your health. The prince is still here and will surely investigate the circumstances surrounding Chun'er’s death thoroughly." At this moment, Concubine Hua approached and helped the kneeling Lin Xier to her feet, gently offering her kind words of comfort.

The King of Chu, seated in a high position, exuded an air of coldness, his deep and inscrutable gaze fixed upon himself. That slightly cold gaze carried a hint of ruthlessness and contemplation. Besides the King of Chu, there were the Princess Lin and Concubine Hua, along with several other concubines of relatively lower status. However, compared to Princess Lin and Concubine Hua, these several beautiful concubines appeared quite low-key, standing at a distance as if intentionally trying to avoid the people and matters at hand.

The princess said that Chun'er was killed by this county princess, but is there any evidence? She was born in a society governed by the rule of law, and her work is that of a forensic expert. It is possible for others to harm her, but for her to harm others? ... It seems that her courage is not yet that formidable

Murong Zi furrowed her brows, and only then did she remember that Lin Xier had indeed sent something to her courtyard yesterday. However, it seemed that she had not even met Chun'er, so could the accusation of causing someone's death be a bit excessive?