Green Mountain

The East Palace Right Guard has died.

Although the Right Guard is only a sixth-rank official, killing him is akin to assassinating the Crown Prince, and even someone like Prince Fu, who came specifically to cause trouble, lamented his misfortune.

Guests on both sides of the red carpet exchanged glances, silent as if the chill of winter had struck them. None of them suspected that attending the spring hunt would drag them into such significant controversy.

The Crown Prince sat quietly behind the table, silently watching Prince Fu at the main seat, his thoughts inscrutable.

Prince Fu raised an eyebrow: "Why are you looking at me? If I wanted to kill, I'd kill you. Why would I kill a mere Right Guard?"

A shocked gasp spread through the entire gathering.

Zhou Kuang hurriedly whispered a reminder: "Your Highness, be mindful of your words."

Prince Fu cursed under his breath: "Damn it, if I find out who did this, I'll skin them alive... How is this different from having a hand shoved in my pocket?"

The Crown Prince seemingly ignored Prince Fu's rebellious words and spoke gently: "Naturally, I know it wasn't my brother, but this matter is of great significance. We must immediately send a fast horse back to the Imperial Capital to report, so the court can dispatch a forensic doctor and the Jiefan Guard."

Prince Fu suddenly stroked his chin, deep in thought: "Could it be that His Highness deliberately framed me? You've done this kind of thing before."

The entourage beside the Crown Prince's face darkened: "Be mindful of your words, Your Highness. His Highness does not suspect you, so how can you suspect him?"

Prince Fu leaned back in his chair with a sly grin: "Does it matter what you say here? Slap him."

Before the attendant could react, Zhou Kuang had already moved in front of him, raising his palm.

His palm carried a fierce wind as it descended but halted abruptly before the Crown Prince's attendant.

A middle-aged man dressed in a black Daoist robe interceded in front of the attendant, calmly gripping Zhou Kuang's wrist. The two were locked in a stalemate, neither gaining an advantage.

The middle-aged man had his hair tied in a simple bun and wore cloud shoes. He turned to Prince Fu and said, "Your Highness, behavior like this is unseemly in front of everyone."

Zhou Kuang looked back at Prince Fu, who waved his sleeve: "Mr. Liao has stepped in, so give him face. But the Crown Prince's personal guard behind you needs to learn some manners."

Mr. Liao released his grip, lowered his head, and retreated behind the Crown Prince, curbing his sharpness.

The attendees focused intently on themselves, daring not to speak.

The Crown Prince looked at Prince Fu and smiled, "Brother, my people are my responsibility to teach. No need for you to worry."

Prince Fu, unfazed, picked up a wine cup and drank it dry: "Then you teach them well."

The Crown Prince spoke patiently: "Brother, I didn't even know you would come today, so how could I frame you? I don't suspect it was you, so let's not be suspicious of each other. As for who did it, let's wait for the resolution from the Jiefan Guard or the Spy Department."

Prince Fu chuckled: "It better not be someone trying to frame me, or I'll get angry. I've been calm for too long, and everyone thinks I'm a pushover."

Prince Fu stared intently at the Crown Prince: "Whenever I think of the dangers at the Ancestor Silkworm Altar, fear grips me. But don't forget, it's not just you who can kill; I can kill too."

Since his arrival today, his demeanor had been aggressive, uttering sarcastic remarks and seizing the Crown Prince's main seat. Such rebellious actions would undoubtedly stir the Imperial Censors into a frenzy when conveyed back to the Imperial Capital.

And yet, he insisted on acting this way, showing no concern whatsoever.

Eye for an eye, blood for blood.

The Crown Prince ignored Prince Fu and instructed Mr. Liao behind him: "Seal off the bedroom now. Do not let anyone get close. Send someone on horseback back to the capital and report this matter to the Ritual Supervision, asking them to send the Jiefan Guard and Spy Department to investigate."

Mr. Liao responded deferentially: "Don't worry, Your Highness, I will have someone set off with two swift horses so they can return with the Jiefan Guard at dawn."

The Crown Prince nodded: "Go."

His gaze swept across the guests and stopped at Chen Ji: "Worthy brother Chen Ji, I recall you're quite skilled at examining such scenes. Would you take a look first?"

Chen Ji stood and cupped his hands: "Your Highness, I am not adept at this matter. It would be best to wait for the Jiefan Guard and the Spy Department."

The Crown Prince smiled: "Back in Guyuan, you were willing to relieve my burdens; now, you seem distant."

"Your Highness misunderstands, I truly am not skilled in this field," Chen Ji sat back down.

Just as the Crown Prince was about to say more, a guest suddenly cupped his hands: "Your Highness, I remember there's urgent business at home that needs my attention, so I must take my leave."

The Crown Prince replied gently: "Lord Zhao, may I ask what it is?"

Lord Zhao remained composed: "Before coming to Fragrant Mountain today, my mother caught a cold, and I wish to return to see if her condition has improved."

Tonight, Prince Fu's uninvited presence was already intriguing. His arrival coincided with the death of the East Palace Right Guard, making the situation even more curious.

Was the death caused by Prince Fu? What else did he intend to do? Would staying here entangle one in the strife for succession?

No one knew.

In the Imperial Capital, government officials and nobles excelled at protecting themselves and avoiding risks.

Once Lord Zhao made his move, two more people stood up, found an excuse, and took their leave from the Crown Prince. The news of the Crown Prince losing influence had spread beyond the palace. The number of guests at this spring hunt was already sparse. When these people left, the banquet would likely become even more desolate.

Chen Ji, indifferent to these matters, also stood up to take his leave: "Your Highness, tomorrow is the imperial examination, and the Yulin Army needs to be stationed in front of the Imperial Examination Hall. I, along with Qi Zhenzhuo, must return."

Qi Zhenzhuo was taken aback and tugged carefully at Chen Ji's sleeve, but Chen Ji paid no heed.

Others couldn't guess who the murderer was, but Chen Ji had already deduced it was most likely Si Caogui. If he didn't leave now, and Si Caogui was discovered by the Jiefan Guard or the Spy Department, he would also be implicated.

But the Crown Prince remained silent for a long time before finally speaking: "Everyone has their duties, and logically, I shouldn't intervene. However, the murderer has not been found, and I fear I can't let everyone leave. Not only you, but everyone in this Red Leaf Villa must stay."

Lord Zhao had just opened his mouth to argue, when he heard the Crown Prince continue: "Those in a hurry to leave now may be accomplices of the murderer."

Lord Zhao's complexion changed and he sat back down awkwardly.

Prince Fu was sitting at the head seat and casually said, "Alright, stop thinking about going back; let's wait until the Jiefan Guard arrives to uncover the truth. All of you serve as witnesses for me. I just arrived, and he has died. I've never left your sight, nor have Zhou Kuang and the others."

The guests glanced at each other, afraid to speak, while the Crown Prince smiled and said, "I will testify for the royal brother."

Prince Fu chuckled, "That's fine. By the way, I heard the Music Performance Department will perform the 'Immortal Shows the Way' segment tonight. Where are they?"

The Crown Prince sat calmly behind the table and said, "The performers are still preparing; we need to wait a bit longer."

Prince Fu said disinterestedly, "Then shall we just drink?"

Qi Zhaoning said, "My younger sister, Qi Zhenzhu, is skilled with string instruments. Perhaps she could play a few pieces first."

Qi Zhenzhu slowly stood up and was about to retrieve her pipa.

But Prince Fu at the head seat said with dissatisfaction, "Wait, wait, don't treat people like this. How can you ask the guests to perform? This would be an affront to His Highness the Crown Prince!"

Qi Zhenzhu stood in place, unsure whether to move or stay.

Until Qi Zhaoning muttered, "Then Zhenzhu, you sit back down."

Qi Zhenzhu finally sat back down at the table in the corner.

Prince Fu raised his cup, "Just drinking it is then, everyone, let's drink together!"

...

...

During the banquet, Qi Zhenzhu put down his wine cup and muttered quietly, "Prince Fu, esteemed as a prince, behaves casually like a common idler."

Zhang Zheng laughed beside him and rebutted, "I think Prince Fu shows more human nature than the Crown Prince. I prefer dealing with people... What about you, Chen Ji?"

Chen Ji did not respond.

Zhang Xia glanced at the furrowed brow of Chen Ji and suddenly said to Qi Zhenzhu, "You sit next to me."

Originally, siblings Zhang Zheng and Zhang Xia sat together, while Yulin army members Qi Zhenzhu and Chen Ji sat together. Now Zhang Xia wanted to move beside Chen Ji.

Qi Zhenzhu hesitated, instinctively looked at Qi Zhaoning across the table, but ultimately didn't dare refuse.

Zhang Xia sat down beside Chen Ji, ignoring the anger in Qi Zhaoning's eyes.

She whispered, "I guess you are thinking about the matter in Guyuan."

Chen Ji nodded slightly, "The deaths of thirty-four members of the Chen family are still unsolved... I don't plan to avenge them, but I've always been curious about who did it."

Zhang Xia spoke softly, "The Crown Prince."

"That's right," Chen Ji said calmly. "I've said before, causing someone to bleed from seven apertures with poison is not easy. Aside from medical knowledge, the only one who could benefit from such an act is the Crown Prince."

When the Chen family arrived in Guyuan, the poisoner deliberately waited for Chen Liqin to leave before acting, showing they didn't want to kill Chen Liqin, just his family.

At that time, there were only four factions in Guyuan: Guyuan Border Army, the Crown Prince, the Jing Dynasty Military Intelligence Department, and the Ning Dynasty Secret Spy Department.

The Guyuan Border Army was planning to trap and kill the Heavenly Strategy Army and wasn't focused on the Crown Prince. Hu Junxian didn't even regard the Crown Prince. Hu Junxian knew from the start that the case of killing civilians for merit couldn't be investigated further.

If the Jing Dynasty Military Intelligence Department wanted to provoke conflict between the Crown Prince and the border army, they should have killed Chen Liqin too; there's no reason to spare him.

As for the Spy Department, Feng Wenzheng personally denied involvement. Mr. Feng, though ruthless, always admits to his actions without hesitation.

Only the Crown Prince is left.

Chen Ji spoke in a deep voice, "The Crown Prince was ordered to investigate the case of killing civilians for merit but faced great resistance and made no progress. If the Crown Prince killed all thirty-four members of the Chen family, what would happen?"

Zhang Xia heard the undertone, "The court would be furious and definitely send the Spy Department to investigate thoroughly. The Chen family would be angry too, and even for the sake of face, they would clash endlessly with the Guyuan Border Army."

The Crown Prince wanted to escalate matters, which is why he summoned Chen Liqin to Guyuan and killed the Chen family to attract a thorough investigation from the court in Guyuan.

But he didn't wait for a thorough investigation by the court; instead, he encountered the Heavenly Strategy Army. When the Heavenly Strategy Army arrived, Guyuan was sealed, and all his plans were disrupted. So the deaths of thirty-four became unresolved, turning into idle moves and trivial actions on the chessboard.

If the Heavenly Strategy Army hadn't come, things would have developed as Zhang Xia speculated.

Chen Ji looked at the Crown Prince not far away: "When you all descended from the roof of the Dragon Gate Inn, everyone who saw the remains was pale and vomited, but the Crown Prince did not vomit; his gaze was calm."

There are only two possibilities, either the Crown Prince has innate fortitude and is not perturbed by external matters... or he has long since witnessed similar scenes and surpassed the shock.

Chen Ji whispered a warning, "Be wary of the Crown Prince; he is extremely deceitful. This spring hunt isn't as simple as it seems."

Zhang Xia smiled, "Don't worry."