Chapter 14 The Whereabouts of Miss Jing

Shen Hezhi, have you really been so out of touch after all your time in the capital? I have married.

Jiang Canxing was silent.

“Why are you looking at me with such a strange expression?” Shen Hezhi frowned.

Jiang Canxing pursed his lips, “Of course I know you’re married, but what does that have to do with finding hope to save your life? Don’t tell me it’s your princess who can save you?”

As he spoke the latter half, Jiang Canxing unconsciously swallowed, suspecting that the answer might be exactly as he feared.

Sure enough, Shen Hezhi nodded. “Naturally.”

Jiang Canxing’s eyes widened, and all the elegance of a noble gentleman seemed to vanish. “Are you ill? Your princess? A mere woman? And not even a well-known one—just the sixth young lady of the Yan household, hardly favored, from what I hear. How could someone like her possibly save your life?”

He paused, continuing his analysis, “You aren’t just grasping at straws because of your illness, are you? Believing anyone? Maybe your little princess is tricking you, just to win your affection.”

“You’re overthinking things. She’s not that sort of person,” Shen Hezhi replied calmly.

Jiang Canxing picked up the wine cup from the table and drained it in one gulp, sighing, “It’s our own fault for lacking ability. We might be renowned in the world, but what use is that? In the end, we’re forced to watch our brother…”

He didn’t finish, but Shen Hezhi knew what he meant. A barely perceptible smile touched Shen Hezhi’s lips as he too picked up a cup of wine. “I will not die, and I will live even better.”

Jiang Canxing raised his head, looking at Shen Hezhi. He didn’t believe him; he was convinced Shen Hezhi was already gravely ill, and so trusted anyone at random. This also made him quietly remember Yan Heru, deciding to find an opportunity to teach her a lesson.

“Enough about that. How is the investigation I asked you to conduct?” Shen Hezhi didn’t wish to discuss Yan Heru further, so he changed the subject at once.

At the mention of business, Jiang Canxing became serious. “It’s people from the Huainan region, though the exact organization remains unclear. But one thing is certain—they’re working for the emperor.”

“They intend to undermine our influence in secret.” Shen Hezhi’s expression turned solemn; the folding fan in his hand was closed and held tightly.

“It seems so, and there’s something else…” Jiang Canxing hesitated.

“If there’s something, just say it. Don’t act so coy,” Shen Hezhi said impatiently.

Jiang Canxing replied, “I found Miss Jing…”

At that, a hush fell between them, starkly contrasting with the bustle downstairs.

After a moment, Shen Hezhi spoke, “If you saw her, you saw her. What of it?”

“She… she asked me to pass along a message. She knows what she did before was wrong, and now she deeply regrets it. She wishes to see you.”

“If she wants to see me, she should simply return herself. Or am I to go to her?” Shen Hezhi played with the folding fan, his thoughts inscrutable.

“She’s gravely ill and unable to get up, so…” Jiang Canxing asked cautiously. Those closest to Shen Hezhi knew Cen Changjing was a knot in his heart.

No one knew what lay between them, or what they truly wanted.

“If she dies of illness, it has nothing to do with me. What she did, I hope she never forgets, not even in death.” Shen Hezhi’s aura grew icy, and Jiang Canxing knew he was angered.

Jiang Canxing shook his head helplessly. Whenever Cen Changjing was mentioned, Shen Hezhi always became cold.

“This is her location.” Jiang Canxing took a folded piece of paper from his breast and handed it over. “Go or not, it’s up to you. I have other matters to attend to. Once you’ve decided, contact me.”

With that, Jiang Canxing rose, opened the window, and leapt out, disappearing without a trace.

Shen Hezhi gazed at the note on the table, deep in thought…

Prince’s Residence.

“Princess, don’t believe their words! They said what they did just to upset you. Since marrying you, the prince has never gone to any of those pleasure houses.” Mo Yi followed close behind Yan Heru, anxiously explaining.

“It’s fine,” Yan Heru smiled, continuing her task.

She was taking advantage of her free time to prepare some poisons for self-defense. Otherwise, she’d be helpless in real danger.

But in Mo Yi’s eyes, Yan Heru’s composure seemed like suppressed fury—an absolute rage.

“Princess, you must believe me!” Yan Heru felt Mo Yi was nearly in tears.

Seeing this, Yan Heru had to set aside her work and turn to Mo Yi, tilting her head slightly, “I’ve already told you it’s fine. Why are you still about to cry?”

“I fear you’ll misunderstand the prince. He’s never shown such favor to any woman before,” Mo Yi said.

Yan Heru paused—so he’s never favored any woman? Shen Hezhi, all these years, never indulged in women? That can’t be… He’s a prince, after all, of high status.

Just moments ago, a few servants had deliberately claimed the prince went to the Flower House today, implying she was out of favor.

Yan Heru cared little for such talk. She never felt favored; their marriage was a matter of mutual need. She wanted a temporary refuge, he needed someone who could save him.

But Mo Yi was different. Mo Yi immediately dealt with the maids and then stuck closely to Yan Heru, explaining nonstop.

“The prince is supposed to be among thousands of flowers, untouched by a single leaf, isn’t he? Why would he treat me differently? Mo Yi, you’re overthinking things.” Yan Heru shook her head and smiled, returning to her poisons.

“No, princess. Although the prince always seems to smile at everyone, in truth he’s cold to all. He’s never cared so much for any woman,” Mo Yi insisted.

Seeing Mo Yi so nervous, Yan Heru began to wonder if Shen Hezhi had given her some special reward.

“Why do you think he cares about me?”

“He truly does care for you. I’ve never seen my ninth brother so close to any woman.” The Sixth Prince entered the courtyard.

Upon seeing him, Mo Yi immediately stepped in front of Yan Heru, alert, while the Sixth Prince’s cheerful demeanor formed a stark contrast.

“Mo Yi, why so nervous? I came on my own.”