Tracking the Clues

A moment later, Prince An led Shi Yi through the main gates of the manor. She followed him step by step, overwhelmed by the magnificent scenery before her. It was indeed not inferior to the imperial palace.

The manor was laid out in a "three-way, five-entry" style, with exquisite and grand architecture. The main axis featured blue glazed tiles, fitting for a Prince's estate. The design was ingenious, and the craftsmanship was incredibly elaborate. Prince An had even built a private theater stage within the manor to listen to opera. This stage was not only large in scale but also very solemnly decorated.

Shi Yi was dazzled by the glamorous and luxurious beauty of Prince An's Manor. This was indeed the power of being "below one person, above ten thousand." Although Prince An had been guarding the border and had only returned recently, his manor remained proud and magnificent. This was because the Emperor held Prince An in high regard; this estate had been designed by top architects under his orders, believing that Prince An would return one day. This showed how much the Emperor favored him; after all, the Eighth Prince was still a step behind.

As she was busy admiring her surroundings, she accidentally bumped into him. Prince An turned around, giving her a sharp look. She could only offer a sheepish smile.

From afar, Mister Bai was approaching from the main courtyard. Seeing him, he took long strides, came before him, and bowed respectfully,

"Your Highness!"

Then he tilted his head, noticing Shi Yi standing behind, and asked,

"This is...?"

Before Shi Yi could answer, he spoke first,

"My new maid. She will serve by my side from now on."

Hearing this, Shi Yi wanted to object, but Prince An was one step ahead. He grabbed her hand to lead her away and said to Mister Bai,

"I still have some matters to attend to, so we will head out first. You may go about your business."

She was dragged a long distance by him. Indignantly shaking off his hand, she questioned him,

"Hey, why did you say I'm your maid? On what grounds?"

She was furious, but Prince An's next words left her speechless,

"Then under what status do you think I should bring you in? First, as my maid, you can freely enter and leave the manor. Second, it avoids others suspecting we have an improper relationship. Third, I can monitor your every move to prevent you from escaping. Well? Is there anything you're not convinced by?"

Prince An smiled smugly. His words made perfect sense, and she couldn't refute them, leaving her utterly speechless. Furious but unable to speak, she hadn't expected to be cornered by this man. She could only reluctantly accept,

"Fine, fine, it's just being a maid. What's so hard about that? I'll do it."

"So, where does the young lady want to start now?"

After thinking for a moment, she asked,

"Where did the assassin appear?"

"The study."

"Then let's go to the study first."

Thus, the two went to the study together. As soon as they reached the door, she carefully observed the surroundings. She pushed the door open and stepped inside, sweeping her eyes across the room. Walking back and forth, she looked from the towering bookshelves to the stacks of unread memorials on the desk, silently marveling: *It seems this guy is indeed busy. He's only been back in the Imperial Capital for a few days, yet Royal Brother has already shared the state affairs with him. Sigh, I wonder when Royal Brother will trust me like this.*

Looking around, she discovered a faint footprint near the corner of the wall. She quickly went over to inspect it. She placed her foot over it and saw a large gap remaining. *The footprint is very large; it seems the assassin is a tall man.*

She continued to search for clues, spotting some yellowish powder beneath the desk. She knelt on one knee, wiped the powder with her hand, rubbed it, and brought it to her nose to sniff. A gentle, sweet floral scent wafted over, slightly intoxicating. She seemed to understand something and curled her lips into a smile. *Things have become much simpler.*

Meanwhile, Prince An was still intently watching her every move. *She seems very serious. She's really acting the part.*

Bei Zhencheng, hearing that His Highness had brought a woman back to the manor, rushed over and asked,

"Your Highness, I heard you brought a girl back. Which young lady is she?"

Bei Zhencheng's face was full of excitement, but when he looked in the direction Prince An pointed inside the room, the smile on his face instantly vanished. Seeing that familiar face, he gripped the sword at his waist, looking extremely angry. The scene of his defeat that day flooded back into his mind, making his head ring. He glared at her with resentment, preparing to draw his sword, but Prince An stopped him. Prince An signaled with his eyes, and he could only stand there helplessly.

At this moment, Shi Yi turned around. Seeing Bei Zhencheng standing there, she stood up and walked over haughtily,

"Oh my, isn't this Guard Bei? It's been a few days; I wonder if you still remember me? You should practice your martial arts for a few more years before coming to find me. Even if you attack now, you won't beat me, so don't waste your energy."

Bei Zhencheng suppressed his anger and said nothing.

Prince An shifted the topic,

"What did you find?"

She replied smugly,

"I've discovered quite a lot, actually."

Prince An pressed,

"Tell me."

But she replied,

"Nothing is certain yet, so I can't jump to conclusions. Wait until I have concrete evidence, then I'll tell you. Oh right, since I'm your maid, shouldn't you give me a place to stay?"

Understanding her meaning, he turned to Bei Zhencheng,

"Go clear out a place for her."