149 In the Subtleties

The last time Jiang Xuan saw me with Long Zhan, he left without a word. Since then, I noticed that Jialin seemed to be getting along well with Jiang Xuan. I didn’t want to disturb their peace, but considering my position, it would be most convenient to seek the relevant books and materials from Jiang Xuan. Moreover, knowing Jiang Xuan’s character, if I investigated this matter privately through him, it would likely be the safest approach—he wouldn’t spread it around.

I was torn, unable to decide whether to go or not.

In my hand was the pouch Ping’er had clutched before she died, which brought back memories of her. No, I had to go investigate—otherwise, how could I face Ping’er? The longer I delayed, the harder it might become to uncover the truth.

Perhaps this time, Jiang Xuan wouldn’t be in the palace. I could search his room for clues, and that way, I wouldn’t have to confront him directly.

After much thought, I resolved to visit Jiang Xuan’s palace.

I mentioned my plan to Han Feiyue, and while she went to rest, I left Huayang Palace.

When I arrived at Jiang Xuan’s palace, indeed, he was nowhere to be seen.

I knocked on his door, but no one responded. It seemed Jiang Xuan was truly absent.

“Xiao Zi?” Suddenly, an uncertain voice called out to me. Turning around, I saw Jialin.

“I pay respects to the lady,” I hurriedly bowed.

“It really is you. I thought I must have been mistaken,” Jialin smiled as she approached, supported by Fang’er. “Are you here to see the Ninth Prince, or me?”

“Oh, I…” I hesitated, unsure how to answer. I had quietly hoped not to face Jiang Xuan directly, but Jialin’s appearance caught me off guard.

“I’m here to see the Ninth Prince,” I finally said. I couldn’t admit I came to see Jialin—if she took me away, I wouldn’t be able to investigate today.

Fortunately, Jialin didn’t press for details. She replied, “The Ninth Prince left this morning and hasn’t returned for lunch. He must be busy with something and I don’t know when he’ll be back. Two nights ago, he was out until midnight. Ah, Xiao Zi, if you have something to say, tell me. I can pass the message for you.”

I felt conflicted. How could she pass on the message? If she didn’t, would she suspect something? After all, she was Jiang Xuan’s wife now.

“Your Highness, the Ninth Prince has returned,” Fang’er said excitedly from the side.

Hearing this, Jialin quickly turned with a smile. I looked too and saw Jiang Xuan striding in, dressed in purple.

His gaze lingered briefly on me before shifting away.

Jialin hurried to greet him, concern evident in her voice. “Your Highness, you’ve finally come back. Have you eaten lunch? I specially made your favorite dishes today. If you want, they can still be warmed up.”

Fang’er chimed in, “The lady herself prepared them, asking Consort Tong and busy all morning!”

“Fang’er, hush,” Jialin said with a shy smile.

“No need. I have some matters to attend to. You should rest,” Jiang Xuan said, moving to push open the door.

“Your Highness—” Jialin only managed to utter one word, unable to call out fully.

Jiang Xuan entered without turning, saying, “You came looking for me? Why don’t you come in?”

I was startled, realizing he meant me. I glanced at Jialin, then said, “Yes, I do have matters to discuss.”

“Come in and close the door.”

“Yes.”

As Jiang Xuan stepped inside, he warned, “Don’t disturb unless I allow it.”

This was clearly meant for Jialin.

When I entered and closed the door, I saw Jialin and Fang’er standing outside, looking somewhat disappointed.

Is this what Jialin meant by ‘not bad’?

Is Jiang Xuan really like this toward Jialin?

“Why have you come?” Jiang Xuan’s voice suddenly startled me.

Snapping back to attention, I said, “I merely came to look for some materials.”

“What kind of materials?”

“Nothing special. I can find them myself.”

Jiang Xuan glanced at me. “Just say it directly. I’ll tell you or find it for you. You can’t even read all the characters.”

I hurried to say, “Ninth Prince, I wouldn’t dare trouble you. If you are busy, please attend to your matters. I’ll be very quiet and won’t disturb you.”

As I spoke cautiously, he suddenly stepped forward and cornered me by the bookshelf.

“Ninth Prince,” I lowered my head, afraid to meet his gaze.

He lifted my chin with one hand, his cold eyes fixed on me. “If only Long Zhan can help you, why can’t I?”

“Ninth Prince,” I looked at him but didn’t know what to say.

“Isn’t that right?” Jiang Xuan demanded in a low growl.

“Ninth Prince,” I took a step back, my spine pressing painfully against the bookshelf. The pain steadied me, and I said, “Lord Long has indeed helped me, and so have you. You are both my benefactors. I am fortunate to have met you. If you want me to repay you, just say the word. I would do anything—even give my life.”

My tone was strong, and Jiang Xuan was momentarily speechless.

We stood like that for a moment before he stepped back and said, “What exactly are you looking for? At least I can help you find it directly.”

I nodded. “Thank you, Ninth Prince. I wish to see if you have any books about the Southern Frontier.”

“The Southern Frontier?”

I nodded again.

Jiang Xuan began searching the shelves while speaking. “Books about the Southern Frontier are rare. I remember there are some here, but the records are scant.”

“That’s fine. I only want to take a look.”

Jiang Xuan passed by me, his chin nearly brushing my forehead.

He pulled out a book and handed it to me. “You can have a look.”

As I reached for the book, Jiang Xuan asked, “Ping’er’s death is related to the Southern Frontier?”

My hand froze. I hadn’t expected Jiang Xuan to know about Ping’er, nor to so readily connect her death to the Southern Frontier.

Since I trusted he wouldn’t spread this, there was no need to hide it.

Holding the book, I nodded. “Ping’er was poisoned, and the poison came from the Southern Frontier.”

Suddenly, Jiang Xuan embraced me, patting my back gently. “Earlier, I was only angry because you stood with Long Zhan. I know you must be grieving over Ping’er’s death.”

Though he said little else, his words comforted me deeply. After days of sorrow, I finally felt someone stood by my side.

My nose tingled, nearly bringing tears.

Suddenly, there was a knock at the door.

Jiang Xuan didn’t release me but frowned. When he entered, he had ordered no one to disturb him. Who could it be now?

“Who is it?” His voice was displeased.

“It’s me,” Jialin replied. “Since Your Highness is busy, I made some tea for you. Xiao Zi is also my good friend, so I made tea for her too.”

Jialin treated me not as a servant, but as a friend, which made me feel guilty.

I quickly broke away from Jiang Xuan. He looked at me, then placed his hands behind his back. “Let her in.”

The door opened. Jialin entered, carrying a cup of tea, with Fang’er holding another.

Jialin respectfully handed the tea to Jiang Xuan. “Your Highness, please enjoy.”

“Hmm.” Jiang Xuan took the tea.

“Xiao Zi, have some tea too.”

“No, I’ll serve myself,” I said hastily.

Jialin placed the tea before me. “No need to be polite. You’re familiar with the Ninth Prince, so you needn’t feel like an outsider here. There are no strangers here; you don’t have to be so reserved.”

I held the book and gratefully accepted the tea. “Thank you, Lady.”

Noticing the book, Jialin asked, “You came just to read?”

Before I could answer, Jiang Xuan said, “In this room, Xiao Zi can come and go freely and take any book. Remember that.”

His words made me a little embarrassed. I had tried to keep a safe distance from him, but it seemed impossible.

Jialin’s face showed a hint of awkwardness before she said, “Understood. I won’t disturb Your Highness anymore. I’ll take my leave.”

“Mm.” Jiang Xuan responded.

As Jialin reached the door, Jiang Xuan added, “Thank you for the tea.”

Jialin smiled brightly and bowed. “It’s my duty. No thanks needed, Your Highness.”

“Go on.”

“I’ll prepare dinner for Your Highness.”

Fang’er closed the door, leaving only Jiang Xuan and me inside.

“Ask me if you don’t understand anything,” Jiang Xuan said as he circled to his desk.

I hadn’t drunk the tea, setting it on the table, when Jiang Xuan added, “Drink it. Her tea-making skills aren’t bad.”

Tea-making skills? Was he praising Jialin?

Feeling a bit challenged, I said, “My tea-making skills are not bad either.”

Jiang Xuan glanced at me. “Oh? You never mentioned that before.”

I bluntly replied, “At Cuiwei Palace, there was Sister Lanyan and Aunt Yunqing, so I never had to make tea.”

A smile curved Jiang Xuan’s lips. “Then perhaps I’ll get to taste it one day. Hurry and look through the book. I know you’ll feel unsettled until you find the real culprit.”

“Yes.” I lowered my head and took a sip of the tea before setting it down. Leaning against the wall, I flipped through the book quickly.

I don’t know how long passed before I finished. Though many characters were unfamiliar, it didn’t stop me from reading. I silently noted some peculiarities about the Southern Frontier tribes.

Reflecting carefully, I found no one in the inner palace connected to these tribes.

Perhaps the person was too well hidden, or the information was simply useless.

“Ninth Prince, I’m done reading. I’ll return to Huayang Palace now.”

“Wait.” Jiang Xuan stood and took a box from a drawer. It looked very familiar—just like the one he had given me before, filled with snacks.

“You didn’t take this with you, so I took it from your room. Take it back.”

I accepted the heavy box, guessing it was full of treats.

I was moved. Though Jiang Xuan was usually reserved, he showed such delicate care for me.

“Thank you, Ninth Prince.”

“Did you find anything useful?”

I shook my head. “Not yet. I’ll take my leave.” Carrying the wooden box, I stepped out, just as I met Jialin. Hastily, I hid the box behind me.

“Xiao Zi, you’re leaving so soon?”

I nodded. “Lady, I’ve finished and must hurry back to prepare dinner for the Crown Princess.”

“Mm. I’ll go check on His Highness. I won’t keep you. Come visit me more often if you have time. With my position, it’s not proper for me to keep going to Huayang Palace.”

“Yes.”