Even a cursory listen to Jiang Si’s words revealed many unusual aspects.
How could a princely mansion’s carriage simply break down? And if that weren’t enough, the other carriage encountered startled horses, with both Princess Qi and Princess Yan unable to move and escape…
Emperor Jingming listened with a growing headache and asked the Empress: “How is Fourth Son’s wife?”
The Empress’s expression was grave: “She’s still unconscious—”
“Is she seriously injured?”
The Empress frowned: “The head maid has examined her. There are only some abrasions on her body, but—”
“But what?” Emperor Jingming had an ominous feeling.
The Empress sighed: “Princess Qi has deep wounds on her face. It’s very likely her appearance will be marred…”
Emperor Jingming’s eyebrows twitched slightly.
A marred appearance was undoubtedly a huge matter for a woman, but in Emperor Jingming’s mind, the truth of the situation was more important.
“Then why hasn’t she woken up?”
The Empress shook her head: “The Imperial Physicians haven’t determined the cause yet.”
Emperor Jingming turned back to Jiang Si: “Seventh Son’s wife, what’s your opinion?”
Since Seventh Son’s wife had come to the palace to report the situation to him and the Empress, she must have some thoughts.
“Daughter-in-law feels the startled horses were not an accident; it’s more likely to have been deliberate. However, these are just my conjectures. The truth will require careful investigation.”
Emperor Jingming nodded heavily: “Indeed, it must be thoroughly investigated! Pan Hai—”
“This servant is here.”
“Convey my imperial edict. Order Prefect Zhen Shicheng of Shuntianjing Yamen to investigate the incident of the two princesses’ startled horses immediately.”
Matters concerning the imperial family’s reputation were usually investigated by the secret police rather than the Shuntianjing Yamen. However, this Prefect was different. After all, Old Zhen even knew about the former Crown Prince cuckolding the Emperor, so Emperor Jingming felt there was nothing to hide from him.
Compared to the secret police, who were more skilled in torture and interrogation, Zhen Shicheng’s investigative abilities were more trusted by Emperor Jingming.
After Emperor Jingming gave his orders, Jiang Si quickly said: “Father Emperor, Prefect Zhen has likely already begun the investigation.”
“Oh?”
“After returning to the city, daughter-in-law ordered the guards to report to Shuntianjing Yamen, and they took Prince Qi’s coachman along.”
Hearing Jiang Si’s words, both the Emperor and Empress twitched their mouths.
Princess Yan’s actions were indeed swift and decisive.
“Pan Hai, send two people to check on Shuntianjing Yamen.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
Emperor Jingming looked back at Jiang Si, his tone somewhat complex: “Seventh Son’s wife, in the future when you encounter such matters—”
He initially wanted to say not to rush to report to officials but changed his mind as he spoke.
“Zhen Shicheng is indeed reliable. If you encounter any trouble, feel free to seek his help.”
Well, what could he do with a son and daughter-in-law who didn’t act according to convention? After all, Old Zhen already knew so much about his affairs, a few more wouldn’t matter.
Jiang Si concealed the smile in her eyes and curtsied to Emperor Jingming: “Daughter-in-law understands.”
After another moment of silence, Emperor Jingming couldn’t help but ask: “Seventh Son’s wife, do you think the coachman was behind this?”
Jiang Si smiled: “Daughter-in-law dares not make wild guesses.”
“Speak freely,” Emperor Jingming said mildly.
Jiang Si paused for a moment, then spoke frankly: “Actually, there’s not much to guess. My carriage broke down on the way, My Fourth Sister-in-law invited me into her carriage, then the carriage lost control, and we both couldn’t move. We survived by sheer luck. When I ordered the guards to take Prince Qi’s coachman to Shuntianjing Yamen, he immediately tried to run away. It would be strange if there wasn’t a problem…”
Emperor Jingming’s expression grew increasingly grim.
If what Seventh Son’s wife said was true, Prince Qi’s household couldn’t be uninvolved in the incident with the startled horses. But now Princess Qi was also in danger—how to explain that?
After experiencing the incidents of Third Son Prince Jin ordering someone to push Chun’er into the water and the former Crown Prince using a voodoo doll to curse him, Emperor Jingming didn’t think Princess Qi incapable of harming Princess Yan.
But how could someone intending harm end up endangering themselves?
It was for this reason that Emperor Jingming silently persuaded himself not to think the worst, at least until Princess Qi woke up.
Soon, the two Imperial Physicians came out and bowed to the Emperor and Empress.
Emperor Jingming asked them: “How is Princess Qi?”
“Your Majesty, the Princess is still unconscious,” one of the physicians replied.
Emperor Jingming frowned: “Wasn’t it said there were no serious external injuries? Could there be internal injuries?”
The two physicians exchanged glances, and the one who had spoken earlier said: “After our examination, the Princess’s internal organs show no severe damage.”
“Then why is she still unconscious?” Emperor Jingming was increasingly puzzled.
The other physician said: “The Princess nearly fell off a cliff. We speculate she may have suffered extreme shock—”
Emperor Jingming shook his head slightly.
So, Fourth Son’s wife remained unconscious due to fright?