There Exists a Flaw

"However, as far as this Prince is aware, the Dowager Consort's relationship with you was far from amicable. Moreover, when you went for a stroll in the garden, why would you ever be willing to invite the Dowager Consort along?" Chi Mie narrowed his phoenix-like eyes slightly, fixing his gaze on Yun Shang as if attempting to peer right through her.

Feeling somewhat unnerved under Chi Mie's profound and penetrating stare, Yun Shang forced together her courage and replied, "The Dowager Consort simply draws a clear line between rewards and punishments. At home, we were very close, but whenever we made a mistake, she would place righteousness above family and administer punishment without the slightest hesitation."

Yun Shang's mind spun with extreme agility, answering the question with a watertight defense that left no flaws.

"It would seem that the late Dowager Consort was already aware beforehand of her passing. She hurried over in such haste, presumably to impart some matters of grave importance to Prince Mie, though regrettably, she ran out of time to speak of it," an official from the Grand Court of Revision immediately chimed in to flatter Chi Mie.

By claiming that there was something important to tell Prince Mie, they were implicitly elevating Chi Mie's status while shamelessly buttering him up. Previously, Yun Zui had openly declared that she was fulfilling the late emperor's behest. The fact that Yun Zui chose to come and inform Chi Mie clearly pleased him immensely—so much so that she bypassed the Emperor, Chi Xuan, and came directly to him instead.

Since Yun Zui was already dead, they could say whatever they pleased, as there was no way to verify the truth of their claims, leaving them free to shower him with indiscriminate flattery.

Chi Mie made no outward expression in response to the Grand Court's flattery. Instead, his gaze shifted to Madam Dou, and he asked, "Then, Madame Prime Minister, I wonder why you and the General's Lady arrived at my Prince Mie's Manor with such promptness? This Prince certainly did not send word to you that an accident had befallen the Dowager Consort."

Upon hearing this, Madam Dou displayed no sign of panic. Their visit had been intended precisely to verify whether Yun Zui was truly dead or merely faking it, and as for being interrogated by Chi Mie in this manner, they had long since devised a countermeasure.

Without the slightest flutter of panic, Madam Dou immediately answered, "Prince Mie is unaware, but there is a maidservant by the Dowager Consort's side who is tasked with attending to her. Since she was barred from entering the Prince's Manor along with the Dowager Consort, she waited directly outside the gates. Catching sight of the Grand Court officials rushing in great haste toward the Prince's Manor, she guessed that something might have happened to the Dowager Consort, and therefore ran straight to the Prime Minister's Estate to inform us..." Having said this, Madam Dou immediately added a line to enhance her credibility: "Shall we have that maidservant brought in for questioning?"

At these words, the corners of Chi Mie's mouth lifted as if in a smile, yet his eyes remained entirely devoid of warmth.

"A well-spoken tale, orderly and quite convincing. But this Prince has no wish to let any omission slip by. Bring that maidservant in." With a wave of his hand, servants brought over a chair alongside a small table, upon which tea and fresh fruit were promptly placed.

Seated comfortably in the chair, Chi Mie showed no inclination to let the matter rest here; rather, he intended to pursue the interrogation.

Although a flash of surprise crossed Madam Dou's face—she had not expected Chi Mie to genuinely wish to see a maidservant—she was fortunate to have made preparations in advance. She had brought a maidservant along and thoroughly rehearsed their stories; every contingency had been meticulously arranged, leaving them with nothing to fear.

"Shang'er, go and lead that maidservant in," Madam Dou instructed Yun Shang.

Unauthorized persons were barred from entering Prince Mie's Manor. Naturally, the only individuals permitted entry from the Yun family were the two mistresses, Madam Dou and Yun Shang. As for the sedan-chair bearers and maidservants, they were all blocked outside the manor's gates and forbidden from entering or leaving at will.

Consequently, someone had to go fetch the maidservant inside.

Receiving the command, Yun Shang immediately rose and walked toward the exit.

Chi Mie appeared relaxed and leisurely, picking up the teacup beside him.