Their dialogue consisted of a question and an answer. Ji Yunshu nodded to express her understanding but no longer asked. Probably due to her mask, as soon as she took a seat, she attracted numerous eyes. She had inadvertently attracted Prince Yi’s attention whose eyes stealthily observed her, while a mysterious smile floated on his face.
Concubine Xiao’s birthday banquet in Tongzhi hall was currently at its best with music and dance. Then, Concubine Xiao leaned closer to the emperor and whispered something in his ear. Their eyes from time to time drifted to Ji Yunshu. After the dance and music stopped, everyone raised their cup of wine and loudly cheered, “Long live to the emperor! We wish Concubine Xiao happiness, longevity, and good health!” Of course, Concubine Xiao spoke a few polite words in response.
Qi Zhen emperor smiled, then looked at Ji Yunshu. He asked Jing Rong, “Is this the talented person you spoke about?”
Jing Rong got up and lowered his head in respect. “Yes, his surname is Ji.”
“Teacher Ji?” The emperor laughed while observing Ji Yunshu. He then asked, “Do you have the ability to investigate the Lin Capital case?”
Ji Yunshu got up and imitated Jing Rong by lowering her head. “This humble one is but a small painter. Prince Rong values me, but I really am not considered an extraordinary talent.”
“Contrariwise, you have eloquence,” said the emperor.
At this moment, Concubine Xiao suddenly shifted her gaze to Ji Yunshu. She didn’t speak a word for while before faintly saying, “Recently, I heard that many girls from distinguished families have disappeared within the capital. The capital governor and the Supreme Court had investigated for such a long time yet there are still no clues. Since Prince Rong has carefully chosen Teacher Ji to help investigate the Imperial Duke case, you are surely an outstanding person. How about we hand over this case to Teacher Ji?” When she was done talking, she glued herself next to the emperor and wrapped herself around his arm. In a soft voice she continued, “Your Majesty, this Concubine suggests that we test Teacher Ji. Afterall, the Imperial Duke case involves the imperial household. We cannot just rely on Prince Rong’s judgment. So, how about using that series of missing cases to test him? What do you think, your Majesty?”
Ji Yunshu had to admit that, to be able to survive in the harem up until now, Concubine Xiao didn’t just depend on tricks; her IQ also contributed to most of the part.
When the emperor heard her speech, he mused for a moment before nodding. He stated, “Concubine Xiao is right.” Then, he continued while looking at Jing Rong, “Jing Rong, we think that suggestion is good. Let Teacher Ji investigate those missing cases. If he can solve it, we will believe that he has the ability to investigate the Lin Capital case.”
Jing Rong’s expression was slightly awkward as he glanced at Ji Yunshu. He knew that she accepted to travel to the capital only for the Imperial Duke case. Yet, now she had to investigate another case. This was completely unanticipated.
‘According to this woman’s temper, she will unlikely agree to my Imperial Father.’ Unexpectedly, Ji Yunshu detoured around her banquet table and walked until she was in the middle of the hall. She pulled up her robe a bit and kneeled. Both of her hands were clasped in front of her. A strong determination could be seen in her gaze. “Since your Majesty and her ladyship, Concubine Xiao, will let me investigate those missing cases, then this humble one will take over those cases. However, this humble one would like to add a condition.”
‘A condition?’ Everyone was flabbergasted. Since ancient times, no one has ever dared to negotiate with the emperor. It appeared that this person didn’t want to stay alive!
Jing Yi smiled even more when he heard Ji Yunshu’s words. He swirled the cup of wine in his hand. He wanted to carefully watch the scene unfolding before him. As for the crown prince, with his simple mind, he watched the drama in front of him with an extremely disdainful smile. He thought to himself that this person was provoking his father’s ire and should be beheaded. In fact, it was best if Jing Rong was beheaded along with him.
‘Idiot!’
As for Jing Rong, at this instant, he was carefully observing his father’s expression. The emperor’s expression greatly changed several times. First, his expression became overcast, next a smile smoothed his face. Finally, he showed curiosity and asked Ji Yunshu, “What condition do you want? How interesting! Tell me. What is your condition?”
Ji Yunshu raised her head and indifferently spoke, “If this humble one can solve the missing cases, I hope your Majesty will send an edict that will allow us to open the coffins of the victims involved in the Imperial Duke case.”