The prince is more stable

Chapter 621 Arrogant at first and respectful at the end

The woman who barged into the side hall was certainly not an acquaintance.

Although it's true that other people's wives are always better, Zhao Xiaoqian absolutely dared not harbor any impure thoughts towards this other person's wife.

That was Zhao Xu's wife, Consort Liu.

In the afternoon, the Imperial City Guards went to Consort Liu's palace to question Zhang Xiang. The palace staff inside and outside the palace were immediately in an uproar, and Consort Liu soon learned of the matter.

Consort Liu, who was still grieving the loss of her son, was furious and sent eunuchs such as Gong Jing to accompany Zhang Xiang. However, before long, one of the eunuchs ran back in a panic to tell her that Zhao Xiaoqian had not given her any face at all and would punish her with caning indiscriminately, just like the eunuchs Gong Jing had done in the past.

Not only that, Zhang Xiang was tortured to the point of being unrecognizable.

Consort Liu was furious. After the young prince's death, everyone around her, including Zhao Xu, was careful in front of her to avoid upsetting her. Who would dare to be like Zhao Xiaoqian, who not only showed no respect but also came to her palace to bully her?

So Consort Liu angrily went to the door.

Hearing the sharp, piercing curses outside the hall, Zhao Xiaoqian sat inside and sighed deeply.

Sure enough, taking on this task was a thankless job for both sides.

"Inside and outside" means inside and outside the palace.

Zhao Xiaoqian hadn't forgotten that outside the palace, there was Prince Zhao Ji of Suining, who was watching him intently like a venomous snake in the grass.

Consort Liu came knocking, and the Imperial City Guards dared not stop her, allowing her to barge into the side hall.

Zhao Xiaoqian sat behind the desk, squinting at her without moving.

Although he and Zhao Xu were brothers from the same clan, he had not seen Consort Liu many times. In the past, he had only met her a few times at royal ancestral temple ceremonies or at banquets held by Zhao Xu. They were not familiar with each other at all, and could only match their appearances and names.

At this moment, Consort Liu was dressed in a plain white palace dress. Her face was thin and haggard, her eyes were deeply sunken, her eyes were red, and her gaze was angry.

Seeing Zhao Xiaoqian sitting calmly behind the table, Consort Liu became even more furious. Standing outside the palace gate, she pointed at him and said, "Zhao Xiaoqian, if you want to bully people, then go all the way! Don't use your subordinates to show off your power. Why don't you deal with me too!"

Zhao Xiaoqian had no choice but to rise and bow, saying calmly, "Your subject pays respects to Your Highness, the Virtuous Consort."

"No need! I cannot accept your courtesy!"

"I was ordered to carry out this mission, but I had no choice. Please forgive me, Your Highness."

Consort Liu sneered: "Don't try to use the imperial edict to pressure me. I know you're doing your job, but I never expected that you'd end up doing something that involves me. Do you think I killed my own son?"

"I had no such intention, Your Highness has misunderstood." Zhao Xiaoqian remained calm.

"You flogged Gong Jing and tortured Zhang Xiang. None of the servants around me escaped; they were all disciplined by you. In fact, I should thank His Highness the Prince for helping me discipline my servants?"

Zhao Xiaoqian remained expressionless and said calmly, "I cannot be disturbed when I am handling matters; otherwise, I will have to deal with it according to the rules."

After a pause, Zhao Xiaoqian sighed again, "Your Highness, to be honest, I didn't want to take on this task either. You should know how difficult it is. If Your Highness feels that I am not up to the task, you may go to His Majesty to complain and ask him to find someone more capable. I would be very grateful."

When Zhao Xiaoqian retorted with a neither soft nor hard remark, Consort Liu paused, her expression somewhat sullen.

After the young prince's death, Consort Liu was devastated. From Zhao Xu's attitude over the past few days, she could guess that the young prince's death was probably not simple. Later, Zhao Xu urgently summoned Zhao Xiaoqian back to the capital to investigate the case, which made Consort Liu even more certain of her guess.

But she didn't expect that Zhao Xiaoqian would attack the people in her palace first, and she also didn't expect that Zhao Xiaoqian actually didn't want to take on this task at all, which made things a bit awkward.

When court officials take on official duties, their first choice is naturally a lucrative one that brings them wealth and benefits. As for duties within the palace, these are generally ones that officials would avoid at all costs. Zhao Xiaoqian was able to accept this assignment largely because of Zhao Xu's influence, even though he himself was very unwilling.

Instead of receiving thanks from Consort Liu, he was scolded by her, which was indeed hurtful.

Consort Liu felt a mix of emotions upon hearing Zhao Xiaoqian's tone, which suggested he might want to back out.

The person who disturbed her palace should have been angry, but they were genuinely investigating the young prince's case, diligently serving the royal couple and seeking revenge for her son. Her scolding just now was ungrateful.

The two of them stared at each other from a distance for a long time without saying a word.

After a long silence, Consort Liu gave a disgruntled snort and said, "I wonder if His Highness the Prince has found any clues in his investigation of the people around me?"

Zhao Xiaoqian smiled slightly and gestured to the clerk of the Imperial City Guard next to her to hand her Zhang Xiang's confession.

Consort Liu took it, glanced at it hastily, and her almond-shaped eyes widened immediately, her expression filled with disbelief, anger, and sorrow.

"That scoundrel Zhang Xiang, how dare he... How could he!" Consort Liu gasped for breath, her originally pale face turning bright red.

Zhao Xiaoqian completely ignored her emotions and said coldly, "Your Highness, this task is thankless and difficult for me to handle. After today, I intend to resign and ask Your Majesty to find another capable person to investigate this case. Please forgive me if I have offended you."

When Consort Liu saw that Zhao Xiaoqian had indeed given up, she panicked.

Two days ago, Zhao Xiaoqian was summoned back to the capital and took on his duties. Only one day later, he found clues and uncovered the traitor hiding among her. Such efficiency and speed can only be described as worthy of being a pillar of the emperor's favor. No matter what position he is placed in, he can shine.

She was truly grateful that such a talented person was helping her investigate the case of the young prince. At this moment, Consort Liu couldn't help but deeply regret her impulsiveness earlier, which had strained their relationship so soon after their first meeting.

Consort Liu forced a smile, her tone softening considerably. "Your Highness... no, may I call you 'Zi'an' as well? Zi'an, I am but a woman, living in the deep palace for many years, ignorant of worldly affairs. I was momentarily out of my mind and spoke incoherently. Zi'an, please forgive me for the pain of losing my child and for my impaired judgment, please don't hold it against me, okay?"

Consort Liu gently wiped her cheek with her sleeve, choking back tears, and said, "Your Majesty and my child were only three months old when they were murdered and died under suspicious circumstances. Zian is also the young prince's uncle. How can you, as his uncle, abandon us when your nephew has died innocently?"

Zhao Xiaoqian sighed inwardly.

This woman was able to gain favor in the harem and secure a place for herself; her methods and speaking skills were top-notch.

After all, those who aren't top-tier in the imperial harem are basically eliminated.

In her words just now, Consort Liu used a variety of tactics, including trying to win people over, gain sympathy, and moral blackmail. In just a few words, she used all sorts of methods, which shows that she is quite capable.

...And, not forgetting to occasionally offer a tea ceremony. Tsk!

Zhao Xiaoqian was indeed unwilling to take on this task, but he also knew very well that he could not quit it.

Zhao Xu urgently summoned him back to the capital from a thousand miles away, not to hear him refuse.

Just now, Zhao Xiaoqian deliberately backed down in front of Consort Liu, merely to subtly remind her of her position. I'm here to avenge your son; I'm your ally, not your enemy.

Madam, you wouldn't want your son to die with his eyes wide open, would you? Then you must listen to what I have to say...

Huh? Why are my thoughts drifting to such strange places...?

With a sigh, Zhao Xiaoqian calmly said, "Your Highness, this case is difficult to investigate. To be honest, the trail has gone cold when we got to Zhang Xiang. I need to continue searching for new leads..."

Consort Liu immediately replied, "I am willing to cooperate with Zian, whatever the situation may be."

Zhao Xiaoqian closed his eyes and took a deep breath.

Don't say things like that! It's dangerous to say such vague and ambiguous things. I'll start to overthink!

Trying not to misinterpret her words, Zhao Xiaoqian continued according to his own logic: "Since that's the case, I'll try again. First of all, Your Highness, please keep the matter of Zhang Xiang's capture a secret and do not let outsiders know about it."

Consort Liu nodded in agreement, as if pounding garlic.

"Secondly, Your Majesty's palace will remain as it is. The Imperial City Guard will place spies and lookouts in the side hall of your palace to wait for any potential threats. Your Majesty should remain calm and continue with your normal daily routine."

Consort Liu nodded in agreement again.

Zhao Xiaoqian said, "The rest is up to me. Let me make this clear from the beginning: if I have any suspicions about the palace servants in Your Majesty's palace and wish to interrogate them, I ask Your Majesty for your understanding."

Consort Liu finally found her stance and said without hesitation, "Zi'an can interrogate anyone in my palace, including myself, as long as the real culprit can be found quickly and my son can be avenged!"

After giving her instructions, Consort Liu left the side hall with profuse thanks, and gave Zhao Xiaoqian a graceful bow before leaving.

They came with a menacing and murderous aura, but left gracefully and gently, arrogant at first and obsequious at second.

After Consort Liu left, Wei Jie, Liu Dan, and all the subordinates of the Imperial City Guard couldn't help but cast admiring glances at Zhao Xiaoqian.

Your Highness is indeed skillful; you can even easily manipulate the most favored Consort Xian.

This is not just a divine being, he's practically an immortal!

Zhao Xiaoqian showed no joy. In the end, this case was still an unsolved mystery, and finding clues was as difficult as climbing to heaven.

…………

On the side of the Imperial Street in Bianjing, in a luxurious private room of a restaurant that only the powerful and wealthy could afford, Zhao Hao, dressed in casual clothes, had his large belly pushing the silk robe high.

Standing respectfully before Zhao Hao was a young man with a fair complexion and no beard.

The young man was a palace eunuch. Today, he was secretly ordered by Zhao Hao to disguise himself and leave the palace to meet Zhao Hao.

At this moment, Zhao Hao's face was cold and indifferent. His taut, fat face had no trace of his honest and cute nature. Instead, he looked more like a god of death sitting in a shrine, contemptuously looking down on all living beings.

The young eunuch couldn't help but tremble slightly in his presence.

To outsiders, King Zhao Hao of Chu was cynical, a laughingstock, and a clown, but the eunuchs had personally witnessed him killing people.

The doors and windows of the elegant room were tightly closed, and there were people waiting outside. Zhao Hao sat in a chair, staring at the eunuch with a cold, venomous gaze.

After a long silence, Zhao Hao slowly said, "You often guard the inner palace, so you must be familiar with Consort Liu's palace, right? Have you had any leads in the past few days?"

The eunuch bowed his head respectfully and said, "Yes, during the days when the young prince was seriously ill, this servant delivered medicine to Consort Xian's palace."

Zhao Hao nodded: "Who brewed the medicine, who delivered it to the palace, and who fed it to the little prince?"

(End of this chapter)