An Eight-year-old Princess

When Empress Yuan Zhen reached the well where the murder happened, Emperor Ning and Yun Shang were already there. The dead body had been covered with a plain white cloth. The Empress glanced at the dead body before she greeted the Emperor and said, "Good morning, Your Majesty."

Emperor Ning nodded and replied, "Good morning. Get up, please."

The Empress stood and waved her sleeves with a disgusted look, "Why was a murder committed here in the Spring Festival? You Majesty, in which Palace did this dead maid work?

Emperor Ning squinted as he replied, "Changchun Palace."

"Changchun Palace? Isn't that Lady Ming's Palace?" The Empress was puzzled. She had this nagging feeling that something was wrong. After the Emperor ordered servants to carry the dead body away, the Empress bid the Emperor farewell and returned to Qiwu Palace.

"Xiu Xin, go to Changchun Palace. Something doesn't seem right. Find some information about the dead maid." The Empress frowned as she spoke.

Xiu Xin said after a moment's silence, "Your Majesty, I think we should not be involved with the affairs of Changchun Palace. We have already made many enemies. The ban upon you has just been lifted. Lady Jin had a miscarriage and Princess Hua Jing has been imprisoned. We had better wait and see what really happened at Changchun Palace."

The Empress knew Xiu Xin told the truth, but the ominous feelings worried her. After a long time, she sighed, "I should seek an opportunity to visit the Grand Councilor's mansion. Hua Jing must be innocent and framed by Yun Shang. Unfortunately, Hua Jing is now imprisoned in the Dali Temple. But, something horrible just happened at the Palace. At this moment I, as the Empress, can't leave. But I'm still worried about Hua Jing.

Xiu Xin said in a hurry, "Your Majesty, you should be patient. After all, Princess Yun Shang is a woman and hasn't been in the Palace for a long time. Thus, she lacks the time needed to set so many traps. Yesterday, it was Prince Jing who intervened at Jinluan Hall. I'm sure that eunuch from Meiying Hall must have received direct orders from Prince Jing.

"Ha-ha. Shu Jin is a bitch. I have no idea how she's always lucky. The Emperor favors her, and her daughter has the protection of Prince Jing. No, I won't allow it. Yun Shang can't be with Prince Jing. If Prince Jing protects her all the time, we won't be able to hurt her." The Empress clenched her hands into fists. She was quiet for a moment before adding, "If Yun Shang's reputation is compromised, she will lose Prince Jing's favor."

"Your Majesty, what will we do?" Xiu Xin was shocked and also curious.

to wait and

Shang sneezed at Qingxin Palace, "Who is

said, "Who dares to curse the Princess? I will

serious expression. "Qian Yin,

in black dragged the maid's body and threw it inside the well. He seemed to be very good at Kung Fu. Thus, no immediate action could

any of our people see anything unusual happening at the Imperial Garden, such as any passersby tossing anything on the

all Palaces and Halls were surrounded by the imperial guards. Nobody could get

and Halls, who murdered the maid? Besides, where

Yin replied in a low voice, "It seems that a maid from Changchun Palace had taken it. Lady Ming was furious

and sighed heavily, "Who threw the

Zheng has arrived! Are you looking for the Princess?" A maid's voice was heard. Yun Shang stood to greet Lord Zheng. At the sight of the Princess stepping out of the inner room, Lord Zheng kowtowed and said hastily, "Your Highness, the Emperor ordered me to bring you a message. The dead maid's body has been placed in a remote Palace in the west. If you

replied,

Shang asked Qian Yin to bring a cloak for her. Then, they followed

return? Why haven't I heard of my father issuing a decree asking him to return?" Yun Shang cupped a warmer in her hands to fight the cold. She

before replying, " You have no idea? Nor do I. I never heard the Emperor calling Prince Jing back. However, in the dead of night immediately before New Year's Eve, Prince Jing broke in suddenly, which frightened me. But, it was not until New Year's Eve that I learned that he had returned for your marriage as arranged by the Emperor. I saw Prince Jing grow up. I'm aware that his coldness hides his kindness. Besides, Prince Jing has always protected you.

marriage with Prince Jing. Thus, he chose to

cold, and desolate. As soon as she entered the inner Hall, Yun Shang saw the dead body

warmer to Qian Yin before removing the cover. The face underneath was ghastly pale from being soaked in water for

mouth, and nose. She even pressed its abdomen. Then, she whispered, "No water is inside the abdomen.

raised the dead body's hand and frowned. She pulled several green threads