The room was quiet for a while before He Rui suddenly stood up, "I'll be heading back to the palace", he said.
"Why?" Liu ying asked.
"We have already crossed a line. It is better for me to address this issue as soon as possible. If this spreads throughout the palace and court, it wouldn't be funny" Lu Qian nodded.
"If that's the case, then your highness should hurry. Xu Yicheng usually visits at the end of every month which is also today. We have delayed him so he would surely leave for Channing Palace early tomorrow", Fu Jiu said.
"As for the investigation we'll take it from here", Lu Qian said.
"We'll surely have better news when Your Highness returns", Lv Chi looked unusually serious.
He Rui nodded and made to leave in that hour of the night with the cake Liu ying and handed him in hand. There was a long pause as they watched his back disappear.
"I tested for the poison on all those who had visited the Prime Minister within three days and they all showed reactions", Fu Jiu said.
"That means they drank the water oblivious to the poisoning so they are not guilty", Liu ying said.
"Did you check all of them?" Lu Qian asked.
"One person is left"
"Who?" Lv Chi asked.
"Lord Shen, Shen Cheng'an"
[Channing Palace]
The next day was a bit cooler than usual although the sun shone brightly. He Yu was absent from court due to his health.
Lingxi had just woken up. She wondered if her life had become softer after marrying into Channing Palace. She never slept so long on a normal day.
She got up and instead of bathing immediately, went outside to stretch lightly and view the surroundings. Qin Yan was standing outside as usual.
"Brother Qin Yan, did you guard here all night?" she asked without looking back.
She knew, without a doubt, that Qin Yan would always be standing there every time she was inside.
"His Highness took you out, I stayed behind to study"
"Study?" she asked turning to him.
"His Highness gave me information on everyone in the Wei army. I was memorizing them"
"I thought you would follow me"
"I did but I left and came back later"
"Your highness", Xin Xie curtsied.
"Rise"
"Your highness, stepping out from your bedchambers like this is inappropriate. Let me help you wash up and get ready"
Lingxi did not argue and went back inside to get ready.
*******
On the other hand, He Yu was in the Main Hall with Jun Jie while Xu Yicheng checked his pulse.
"Is there anything wrong?" Jun Jie asked looking worried."There is indeed something strange", Xu Yicheng answered.
"What is it?" "Your body temperature has always been cold but it feels much warmer now. It's a good sign", he said.
Jun Jie was relieved, "so His Highness's condition is improving?"
"His Highness's body temperature has decreased but that is only superficial to his main condition"
"Oh", Jun Jie felt disappointed.
"But this temperature is the best fit for you to continue your medication", he added, "may I see the ointment you used?"
He Yu gave a sign to Jun Jie who went on to get it.
Immediately after, a eunuch came in and greeted He Yu.
"Your Highness, Second Prince would like to see you", he bowed.
"He Rui?"
He Yu wondered why He Rui would suddenly visit him when he was supposed to be in Wei City investigating.
He thought for a while before answering, "I will see him after my examination"
The eunuch bowed and went on to pass the message.
"Second Prince came earlier than I expected", Xu Yicheng said as he sat down.
"Was he supposed to come?" He Yu asked.
"Yesterday, I was questioned because of the Prime Minister' case. He must have realized I am Your Highness's personal physician and has come to apologize", Xu Yicheng answered.
"Apologize for what?" He Yu was completely oblivious.
"As per protocol, no noble or royal family member is to approach me, your highness's personal physician, lest they risk the crime of inquiring about your medical condition", Xu Yicheng said seriously but He Yu found it funny.
He even laughed lightly, "everyone knows I've been poisoned since childhood and will not live long. What else is there to inquire about? My lifespan?"
"Your highness mustn't joke like that"
******
Outside, the eunuch rushed back to pass the message to He Rui.
"Your Highness, the grand prince is currently undergoing a medical examination. He will see you once he's done", he said.
'He has reached here already?' He Rui realized.
He knelt down in front of the gates of Channing Palace.
"Your highness, this is..." the eunuch was flustered.
"I will wait for the grand prince to finish"
The eunuch bowed before drawing to pass the message to He Yu.
"What is it?" He Yu asked on seeing the eunuch again.
"His Highness has knelt in front of Channing Palace and refused to leave until he sees you. He said he is willing to wait till Your Highness is finished", the eunuch responded.
He Yu turned to face Xu Yicheng, "is it that serious?"
"If news of what happened spread, then His Highness's investigation unit will be in trouble. It is no light matter that's why he is going to such lengths", Xu Yicheng explained.
He Yu sighed lightly already tired from what he felt was a disturbance, "let him in"
In not less than two minutes, He Rui walked into the main hall.
Xu Yicheng stood up to greet him. He Rui, on the other hand, knelt down to He Yu's surprise. He exchanged brief glances with Xu Yicheng before sitting up straight.
"I never expected second prince to be so filial", he said.
"I have come to admit my mistakes. I beg for Granduncle's pardon", he said.
He Yu exchanged glances with Xu Yicheng again who gave a nod. He Yu blinked once and stood up. He walked up to He Rui and helped him up.
"What's going on? Why are you kneeling?" he asked.
"Yesterday, I was unaware of Physician Xu's identity and have offended you. I came to ask your forgiveness", He Rui said.
He Yu turned to Xu Yicheng and back at He Rui with a look of ignorance, "how did you offend me?"
He Rui looked at Xu Yicheng and thought that he had not informed He Yu.
"I was investigating the case yesterday and had to question him. I did not realize his position", He Rui explained.
"What did you question him about?"
"I questioned him about a certain poison that carried clues regarding the Prime Minister's case"
There was a short pause.
"I'm here", Jun Jie interrupted the moment.
He walked in and greeted He Rui on seeing him before handing over the ointment he went to get to Xu Yicheng.
Xu Yicheng opened the small bottle of ointment and brought it close to his nose to smell the fragrance.
"Your highness, this ointment is made from several anti-cold herbs and spices. It is truly precious", he said, "where did you get it?"
He Yu turned to him with a smile on his face, "my wife made it for me herself"
'When did Her Highness make it for you?' Jun Jie could not help but find the words a bit hypocrite.
As far as he was concerned, the ointment was already made before Lingxi had married into Channing Palace but He Yu was shamelessly claiming all her efforts were for him alone.
He Rui was definitely not in the mood for other discussions at the moment.
"Granduncle", he called.
"Hmm?" He Yu answered turning back his attention to He Rui.
"I am wondering what you think of this matter. I was ignorant and hope you will forgive my recklessness", he bowed.
Before He Yu could respond, a voice was heard entering the room.
"Does ignorance make you innocent?"