Chapter 7, Initial Trial of Skills (1)

Xiwang Building, the courtyard where Lin Xier resides, was filled to capacity with the arrival of the group, causing Chun'er’s room to become overcrowded. Many maids and servants, upon hearing that the prince would personally investigate the cause of Chun'er’s death, could not help but curiously hide outside the door to eavesdrop

I have my own plans in mind, and the princess consort should not cause any more disturbances. I will definitely investigate this matter thoroughly, and the Chu royal residence will not tolerate treachery!" Finally, Shangguan Sicheng spoke with a solemn expression, his cold tone rendering everyone in the room unable to retort. This effectively curtailed Lin Xier's excessive radical behavior. Observing Lin Xier, who had suddenly quieted down, Shangguan Sicheng furrowed his brows slightly and said in a deep voice: "You should first return and handle Chun'er’s funeral arrangements. I will provide you with an explanation regarding this matter."

In the past, if something so disadvantageous had occurred to her, she would have certainly raised her voice loudly to suppress others' disrespect towards her, regardless of her image. Yet at this moment, her calm demeanor leaves people deeply perplexed

"Your Highness, your words are misguided." Murong Zi raised an eyebrow subtly, casting a dismissive glance at Lin Xier. "You repeatedly claim that Chun'er died from poisoning and accuse this princess of administering the poison. These statements are merely your one-sided assertions. Now that the prince has promised to investigate this matter, the first step must surely be to conduct an autopsy. If we do not examine the body, how can we uncover the truth? How can the prince make a judgment?"

The other concubines, who stood at a distance, subconsciously nodded in agreement after hearing Murong Zi's words, seemingly to wash away their own suspicions. Although Chun'er was of a servant's status, she was nonetheless someone close to the princess. With the princess present, they did not dare to speak freely, yet they could not help but have a change of heart towards Murong Zi's calm and composed demeanor at this moment, for the first time acknowledging her words.

This matter, she will certainly not let it go so easily! Although Chun'er died unjustly, and she feels reluctant in her heart, this is just the opportunity to firmly suppress Murong Zi!

Wait!

The lips were purplish with a tinge of black, and the surface indeed suggested poisoning. However, the exposed, bluish skin and the expression on the face made Murong Zixin smirk coldly.

She is well aware that such a blatant occurrence in the residence of the King of Chu makes it highly unlikely for the prince to cover for his foster sister, Murong Zi. Not to mention how little the prince thinks of Murong Zi, if this matter were to reach the ears of outsiders, it would undoubtedly affect the reputation of the Chu royal residence and the prince himself

Ignoring the reactions of others, she lifted the white cloth and examined Chun'er’s body from head to toe, her clear gaze finally resting on Chun'er’s face

Shangguan Sicheng pressed her lips together, casting a cold glance over the crowd. Finally, she fixed a deep gaze on Murong Zi for a moment before suddenly standing up and walking straight towards the door.

Seeing everyone looking at her, Murong Zi curled the corner of her mouth. Noticing Lin Xier had stopped in her tracks, she turned to look at the man with a gloomy and cold expression seated in a high position

Even Lin Xier couldn't help but shiver

Everything is at the prince's discretion. This humble servant takes her leave. Although Lin Xier's expression contained an undeniable sorrow, she had already calmed down, seemingly placing unwavering trust in the man's promises

"No!" Lin Xier's eyes widened in alarm as she knelt before the Prince again, "Your Highness, please do not! Chun'er is already dead, and there are still the pastries she consumed before her death, which prove that she indeed died from poisoning. In light of her years of devoted service to me, I beseech Your Highness not to disturb her soul."

The deceased should be treated with utmost respect, especially since she has never regarded Chun'er as an outsider; how could one allow the casual desecration of Chun'er's spirit

Just as Lin Xier was about to turn and leave, a clear and decisive voice suddenly echoed from within the room

"What do you want to do?" Faced with Murong Zi's sudden words, Lin Xier instinctively tightened the silk in her hand, her swollen eyes warily watching Murong Zi

Lin Xier was momentarily at a loss for words after being rebutted by Murong Zi, and could only gaze sorrowfully at the man sitting quietly in the high position

This is his residence, and given the occurrence of such an event, he, as the master, naturally cannot handle it too rashly. Conflicts among prominent families are inevitable, but if he does not take the initiative to investigate thoroughly when a murder occurs right under his nose, would that not lead others to believe that he, the King of Chu, is easy to bully

Your Highness, since Zi'er has come, let us resolve everything today. Firstly, Zi'er does not wish to bear the guilt of murder, and secondly, Zi'er also does not want outsiders to say that Your Highness is shielding Zi'er, thus tarnishing Your Highness's reputation

Murong Ziwei frowned slightly. These women, who usually fearlessly fought and competed with one another, are now making such a fuss over merely seeing a corpse. Is it really necessary to overreact like this

Disregarding the curious and doubtful expressions of everyone, Murong Zi gracefully bowed to Prince Shangguan Sicheng. "Your Highness, Zi requests to see Chun'er’s corpse to verify whether, as the Princess said, she died of poisoning"

Lin Xier originally intended to personally interrogate Murong Zi, but upon seeing that Murong Zi had maintained a calm demeanor, seemingly indifferent to the situation since her arrival, she felt a deep hatred for Murong Zi's hypocritical transformation, yet found herself powerless against her. Murong Zi stubbornly refused to admit anything, leaving Lin Xier to place her hopes on Shangguan Sicheng. However, after pouring out her grievances for a long time, she was taken aback to find that Shangguan Sicheng showed no reaction whatsoever. Lin Xier felt a strong sense of unwillingness, but in order to avoid making Shangguan Sicheng develop a dislike for her, she could only suppress the anger and resentment boiling within her.

In this residence of the King of Chu, she does not believe that there is anyone worthy of trust

Everyone stared at her in a daze as she approached the bedside, unsure of what she intended to do. When her delicate hands suddenly lifted one corner of the white cloth, a chorus of screams erupted in the room

At this moment, Hua Ce Fei also did not go to support Lin Xi'er, but instead stared blankly at Murong Zi, a hint of surprise inadvertently flashing through her enchanting eyes

What she said is indeed very reasonable. Given her temperament, if she wants to deal with a servant, there is no need for her to resort to underhanded tactics; she might very well confront the person directly. Otherwise, she would not be Murong Zi!

Could it be that the situation is truly not as she has portrayed it, which is why she is able to remain so calm and composed

It seems that someone is indeed trying to frame me deliberately

At this moment, although there were many people in the room, it was eerily silent, as if the air carried a hint of gloom, while the coroner invited by Shangguan Sicheng had yet to arrive.

A body was covered with a white cloth on the bed, and two white candles were placed at the foot of the bed. Seeing that everyone was standing still and not approaching, Murong Zi walked towards the side of the bed.

Go to Xiwang Building

Although a coroner will come to conduct the autopsy shortly, who knows whether this coroner can be trusted? Lin Xier insists on framing Chun'er for her death, which clearly indicates that someone is trying to set her up. It seems that some matters still require one to take action personally to ensure reliability

Although several young and beautiful concubines were curious, they ultimately had to face the dead. Those with slightly weaker nerves stood at the back, stealing glances now and then, both curious and frightened.