novelraw Chapter 77 : His Highness Yan Chi Becomes a Suspect!
Chapter 77 : His Highness Yan Chi Becomes a Suspect!
77: His Highness Yan Chi Becomes a Suspect!
Qin Wan, wearing her mask, held the orchid lantern in one hand and lifted her skirt slightly with the other, walking briskly into the dark alley.
Four or five people in the alley were heading toward the Shuangqing Troupe's stage. Squinting, Qin Wan saw the figure that looked extremely like Yue Qing walking at the front without stopping. She didn't know where he was going.
Qin Wan paused. She saw clearly: the alley was long, growing darker the deeper it went. She was alone and truly didn't dare continue following. She hesitated, uncertain. But ahead, the "Yue Qing" figure also stopped. Qin Wan raised an eyebrow and took three more steps forward. As soon as she moved, "Yue Qing" started walking again.
A strange feeling arose in Qin Wan's heart. After a moment, she stopped again. Sure enough, as soon as she stopped, the other person also stopped. Qin Wan narrowed her eyes. This person knew she was following him, and seemingly intended to lure her into the alley.
About seven or eight zhang separated them. Qin Wan stared at his back, her brow furrowing tighter. She vividly remembered Yue Qing wearing an identical robe today. But if it were Yue Qing, why not approach her directly, instead using this eerie method to lead her forward? Yet if it wasn't Yue Qing, then who could it be?
Thinking this, her feet began to move again. The moment she stepped forward, the other person also started walking. Qin Wan immediately raised an eyebrow. Strange. If that person harbored ill intent toward her, why maintain such a distance?
Considering this, Qin Wan felt less afraid than before. Holding the lantern in one hand, she reached into her sleeve with the other, touching Cold Moon. She gripped it silently, taking small, careful steps. The person ahead, however, walked with large strides. Qin Wan observed for a long while, seeing the distance between them grow. Only then did she quicken her pace to follow.
Past experiences had given Qin Wan a stronger investigative curiosity than most. Those strange cases her father handled were ultimately resolved through his meticulous pursuit of truth. Qin Wan had witnessed the deepest suffering in the world and the most brutal aspects of human nature. She knew the person ahead was suspicious, but at this moment, she seemed to have no other choice.
She walked slowly; he walked fast. She walked faster; he walked even faster. Eventually, Qin Wan began to jog. However, wearing a long gown was truly inconvenient. She held the lantern in one hand and Cold Moon in the other; Cold Moon absolutely could not be dropped. Seeing the figure about to run out of the alley, Qin Wan threw the lantern aside, lifted her skirt, and chased after him!
It was as if after the deepest darkness, one could glimpse dawn. After running another three or five zhang, Qin Wan saw that the alley exit opened onto a brightly lit area. The figure paused at the exit, as if waiting for her. Just as Qin Wan drew near, he flashed to the right and disappeared. Qin Wan, having lost her target, didn't dare delay and immediately gave chase!
When Qin Wan, her forehead damp with sweat, ran out of the alley, she saw the street was lined with lantern towers. Because of the Shuangqing Troupe's stage, the originally bustling crowd had flocked to that street, leaving this one eerily empty and quiet. A few scattered individuals were still hurrying toward the troupe. Qin Wan looked to the right and saw only two young ladies walking toward her. The man who looked so much like Yue Qing had vanished without a trace!
For a moment, Qin Wan felt bewildered. Had that person lured her here just to see the lantern towers on this street?
She took two steps forward. The lantern towers were indeed beautiful, but she had seen more magnificent and splendid lighthouse displays. While pleasing to the eye, they weren't worth traversing such a long, dark alley for. As for that person... if he knew her, he would have spoken to her face-to-face. If he didn't know her, what reason did he have to lure her here?
Confusion filled Qin Wan's heart. Frowning, she looked at the wine shops and teahouses lining the street to the right. Should she go in and search?
Today was the Mid-Autumn Festival; shops on both sides of the street were packed. From a distance, Qin Wan could hear the sounds of drinking games inside. These were crowded, chaotic places. Since that person intended to conceal his identity, searching would likely be futile.
But his reason for luring her here?
She walked forward silently a few steps, then halted.
There must be a reason. He even deliberately maintained a great distance. That person might be someone she had seen or knew. Who could it be...
Qin Wan looked up, surveying the street ahead. The two young ladies passed by her, giving her a wide berth with looks of distaste upon seeing her Xiezhi mask. Besides them, the street to the right was already deserted.
Qin Wan stood for another moment, then turned to look at the street to the left. A few figures were walking forward, undoubtedly also heading to the Shuangqing Troupe's stage. A sense of tension rose within her. That person had disappeared, meaning his objective was largely achieved. But what was it? This street only had lantern towers...
A chill ran down her spine. Qin Wan suddenly felt her back stiffen. Lantern towers...
Just as the thought formed, Qin Wan heard an extremely faint crack. It sounded like a rope snapping, or perhaps bamboo or wood breaking. Immediately afterward, a tremendous force, like a collapsing mountain, pressed down upon her from above. Qin Wan's scalp prickled. She whirled around and saw the three-story-tall lantern tower behind her toppling toward her like a falling mountain...
Qin Wan's hand gripping Cold Moon clenched tightly. Instinctively, she closed her eyes. The lantern tower's frame was built with thick wooden beams, interspersed with bamboo and wood forming rows of small compartments to hang the lanterns densely and neatly. Now, what was collapsing toward her were those beams as thick as large bowls. The frame itself was heavy, plus the hundreds of lanterns hanging from the top. Qin Wan could almost imagine the pain of being crushed. No, perhaps she wouldn't feel it, because her head would be smashed!
Qin Wan knew escape was impossible. The paralysis and tension in the face of danger also prevented her from fleeing. She squeezed her eyes shut. Just as she thought the frame was about to crush her, suddenly, a powerful gust of wind swept in from the side. Before Qin Wan could react, a large hand had encircled her waist. Then, a strong, forceful embrace pressed against her!
The newcomer was swift as lightning. With a precisely angled dive and roll, the world spun. Qin Wan was pulled into his arms as they tumbled twice on the ground. Then, a tremendous boom erupted. Qin Wan felt the person shielding her grunt softly. She instinctively opened her eyes. What met her gaze was Yan Chi's slightly pale face!
Glancing to the side, she saw the massive lantern frame, as tall as a two-story building, lying shattered on the ground. Lanterns were broken, some catching fire. Yan Chi had pulled her away from the lowest wooden beams. What had struck his back were the bamboo and wood compartments from the top that held the lanterns. Even so, falling from such a height, Qin Wan could imagine the pain of those bamboo and wood pieces hitting a person. Qin Wan pressed her lips together tightly, never imagining Yan Chi would appear...
"Your Highness, how..." Her words cut off as she suddenly felt warmth on her hand. She lifted her right hand and saw her palm covered in crimson. Her heart lurched. Qin Wan immediately tried to crawl out from under the frame, but Yan Chi held her down. She saw him frown, then he pushed himself up, lifting the massive bamboo and wood frame with him. Qin Wan hastily scrambled free!
Once Qin Wan was out, Yan Chi had it easier. He exerted strength with his arms; Qin Wan saw the veins bulge on the back of his hands. Soon, he lifted the wooden frame, rose to one knee, and extricated himself from beneath it.
His expression was calm and relaxed, but Qin Wan remembered the crimson on her palm.
She had no time to ask how Yan Chi appeared. She hurriedly moved to check his back, but after just one step, Yan Chi grabbed her arm. He pulled her back two steps, then looked up at the roof beam of the wine shop where the lantern tower had been fixed. What he saw was a rope as thick as a bowl's mouth, somehow severed, now only half dangling from the beam...
In those moments, shopkeepers and customers from nearby wine shops and teahouses emerged. No one expected the perfectly fine lantern tower to collapse. Everyone looked at Yan Chi and Qin Wan. A few who had witnessed the scene were vividly describing what happened.
"It was this handsome young master. Otherwise, that young lady would have lost her life."
"Such a huge lantern tower, even an ox would be crushed. It looked like it hit that young master just now, but he seems completely unharmed..."
"Seems like a master, perhaps with some divine skill protecting him..."
The commoners discussed animatedly, but Qin Wan broke out in a cold sweat. She understood that person's purpose now. His target was the lantern tower. She almost wanted to rush into the wine shop to investigate immediately, but thinking of Yan Chi's injury, she dared not be careless. "Your Highness is bleeding; the wound likely reopened. Your Highness, we must return to the carriage to treat your injury."
Yan Chi frowned deeply, as if not hearing Qin Wan's words. "Why did you come here?"
Qin Wan also furrowed her brow. "Your Highness, we must treat the injury first!"
Yan Chi turned to look at Qin Wan. His deep eyes seemed to hold a vortex, as if trying to draw her in. Suddenly, he released her hand, turned, and walked to the side of the lantern frame. Qin Wan thought he was going to do something, but when he straightened up, she saw he was holding the orchid lantern. Qin Wan was speechless. "Your Highness…"
"Were you chasing someone? So frantic you dropped your lantern?"
Qin Wan met Yan Chi's profound gaze, her heart stirring. "Yes. Earlier, I was separated from the Young Princess. Midway, I saw a figure that looked very much like the Marquis's Second Young Master. That person seemed intent on luring me here. He moved when I moved, stopped when I stopped. I didn't know who he was, so I followed. This lantern..."
"We found the Young Princess. She said you were lost. I came looking for you. This lantern was picked up in the alley." As he spoke, Yan Chi handed the orchid lantern to her.
Qin Wan looked at the almost intact lantern, warmth spreading in her heart. She had thrown it down once, and he picked it up. Just now, when he saved her, it fell again, yet it remained unbroken.
Qin Wan took the lantern and was about to speak when several anxious calls came from the street to the left of the alley. Qin Wan turned to see Yue Jia, Yue Ning, and the others approaching together. They hurried over, looking at Qin Wan and Yan Chi, then at the collapsed lantern tower on the ground, their faces filled with shock and doubt. Yue Ning spoke first, "Are you alright? Not hurt?"
Qin Wan quickly shook her head. "I'm fine, but His Highness Yan Chi is injured. Please arrange a place; I need to treat His Highness's wound."
Yue Ning and the others were no ordinary people. The distinct scent of blood in the air brought deep concern to their eyes.
...
...
After helping Grand Princess Jiayi onto the boat, Yue Qing wanted to slip away to find Qin Wan. Unexpectedly, once on board, Grand Princess Jiayi engaged him in conversation. Her health had improved slightly, and he couldn't bear to refuse, so naturally he stayed to accompany her.
Though he knew he should be filial, thinking of Qin Wan and the others enjoying the lantern market made Yue Qing restless. Just as he felt he couldn't bear it any longer and wanted to sneak away, a servant reported that Qin Wan had returned!
"Huh? Why are they back so soon!"
Delight overflowed on Yue Qing's face. Grand Princess Jiayi glanced at him teasingly, "If they hadn't returned, you probably couldn't sit still either. And you complain they came back early?"
Yue Qing smiled sheepishly. "What are you saying, Grandmother? Your grandson naturally prefers to accompany you."
Despite his words, he had already stood up and looked toward the cabin door. He saw Yue Ning lift the curtain and enter. Seeing Yue Ning's solemn expression, Yue Qing's heart sank. Had something happened?
"Grandmother, His Highness Yan Chi is injured. We need a clean room to treat his wound!"
"Xiao Qi is injured?" Grand Princess Jiayi stood up abruptly. Seeing this, Yue Qing hurriedly supported her. Grand Princess Jiayi trembled slightly as she walked out. "How was he injured? Quickly, use the side compartment. It's prepared and most suitable for treating injuries!"
Grand Princess Jiayi hurried out. Outside the door, she saw Qin Wan with slightly disheveled hair, holding a lantern and a mask, standing beside a pale-faced Yan Chi. A faint sniff revealed a strong, pungent scent of blood.
Qin Wan curtseyed to Grand Princess Jiayi. There was no time for pleasantries or explanations. She pointed to the side compartment. "Your Highness, quickly!"
By Li River Lake, the best place to treat injuries was naturally the Anyang Marquis's household's lantern boat.
Yue Jia, after hearing the details, stayed with Wei Yanzhi to investigate the collapsed lantern tower. Yue Ning and Qin Wan accompanied Yan Chi to the Marquis's lantern boat. Once inside the compartment, Qin Wan said, "Please remove your robe, Your Highness."
The compartment wasn't large. With these words, Grand Princess Jiayi and the others withdrew. Outside, Grand Princess Jiayi immediately pulled Yue Ning aside to ask what happened. Yue Ning explained the sequence of events in a low voice. A flicker of killing intent flashed in Grand Princess Jiayi's eyes.
"Qing'er has been by my side the whole time; naturally, he couldn't have run over there. But Wan'er wouldn't mistake someone casually. So that person did it deliberately, intending to lure Wan'er there to harm her... Whose family's lantern tower was it? And which shop was it built outside?"
Yue Ning quickly replied, "The lantern tower belonged to the Sun family in the east of the city. It was built outside a wine shop. Elder Brother and Young Master Wei stayed there to investigate. Since His Highness Yan Chi was injured, we came back first."
She paused slightly. "Grandmother rules out the possibility of an accident?"
Grand Princess Jiayi nodded, slapping the boat's railing forcefully. "Utterly outrageous! Someone actually harbors murderous intent toward Wan'er. These people truly..."
Grand Princess Jiayi was so angry her voice trembled. Yue Ning quickly patted her back.
Yue Qing, meanwhile, frowned deeply, looking at the half-open compartment door. Qin Wan had nearly been harmed, and he, on the lantern boat, knew nothing. He had truly failed in his duty to protect her. Moreover, he wished he had been the one to save Qin Wan!
"Fortunately, Xiao Qi was there. Otherwise, I truly..."
As they spoke, Jiang‑shi and Yue Qiong, who had gone to distribute relief grain, returned to the boat. Jiang‑shi hurried over. "Mother, what happened? Is it Wan'er who's injured or His Highness Yan Chi?"
Yue Ning answered promptly, "His Highness Yan Chi was injured saving Qin Wan."
Jiang‑shi glanced toward the compartment door. Whatever she saw made her look pained as she walked over.
Yue Qiong had already begun speaking with Grand Princess Jiayi. "Mother, do you think we should report this to the authorities?"
Grand Princess Jiayi then asked, "Where is Prefect Huo?"
Yue Qiong shook his head. "Prefect Huo didn't come today. I saw only some servants on his family's lantern boat."
Grand Princess Jiayi shook her head. "Then let it be for now. Wait until Wan'er finishes treating Xiao Qi's injury and hear her opinion."
Yue Qiong nodded, glancing toward the compartment. "I hope the injury isn't severe."
...
Inside the compartment, Yan Chi removed his bloodstained outer robe. When he took off his middle garment, he noticed Qin Wan freeze. The cabin lights shone brightly, illuminating Yan Chi's back with its clearly defined muscles and, naturally, making the wound particularly visible.
Yan Chi's old wound hadn't healed, and now he had a new injury on his shoulder.
The bamboo and wood compartment falling from above had scraped a square-shaped bruise on Yan Chi's shoulder and back. The bleeding came from a protruding nail on the wooden frame that had pierced the flesh beside his old wound. When he lifted the frame, the nail tore the wound wider. Just looking at it made Qin Wan feel intense pain.
"What's wrong? Just a minor injury. Don't know how to proceed?"
Yan Chi's tone was relaxed and coolly indifferent, but Qin Wan felt her throat tighten. She stepped forward, took out her silk handkerchief, and carefully cleaned the wound made by the nail. "Thank you, Your Highness, for saving my life."
The corner of Yan Chi's mouth curved slightly. "How will you thank me?"
Qin Wan thought for a moment, her gaze focused. "In the future, if needed, Qin Wan will never charge Your Highness a single coin for consultation fees."
Yan Chi gave a light laugh, his shoulders shaking slightly, causing more blood to flow from the wound. "So it seems I've profited. After all, Ninth Young Miss's consultation fees aren't cheap."
Qin Wan didn't speak further. She first cleaned the new wound, then needed to change the medicinal dressing on the old one. Yan Chi's exertion from using his inner energy to rush and save her had reopened the wound. Qin Wan worked meticulously, not daring to be distracted. Only when she let out a soft breath, seeming to have finished cleaning the most difficult part, did Yan Chi speak. "Have you thought of who that person might be today?"
"Naturally, someone who doesn't want me involved in Miss Song's case."
After a pause, Qin Wan's voice lowered slightly. "If not the murderer, then at least an accomplice."
"First, pretending to be a headless female corpse to scare you, then spreading rumors and gossip about you, now directly trying to kill you. It seems that person knows you've examined the corpse multiple times, even knows you went to the mortuary for examination. He's afraid you'll uncover the crucial clues, so he wants you dead." Yan Chi's voice turned cold, matching the solemnity Qin Wan displayed during autopsies.
Qin Wan had also considered this. "The first examination was at the Marquis's household, with many eyes around. The second examination at the mortuary, only a very few people knew. The Marquis and his lady, the Grand Princess, the three Yue siblings, Prefect Huo and Huo Ning... None of them have reason to reveal it."
Listening to her list them, Yan Chi frowned. "Do you perhaps think it was me... hiss..."
Qin Wan was just removing the cotton cloth from Yan Chi's back. The medicine on the cloth had stuck to the flesh of his wound; removing it inevitably caused tearing pain. Qin Wan's hands remained steady. "Certainly not. Your Highness wouldn't want to harm me and then save me."
Yan Chi raised an eyebrow, the annoyance in his heart easing by two parts. Qin Wan applied new medicine to the cotton cloth and re-bandaged him. A light sweat broke out at Yan Chi's temples, but his expression showed nothing. "Did you slip up and mention it somewhere?"
Qin Wan's hand stilled. "Certainly not..."
Before she could finish the word "not," Qin Wan suddenly stopped. A scene flashed through her mind.
That day at the Anyang Marquis's household, she and Yue Ning encountered Wei Yanzhi. But that time, she distinctly felt she had concealed it rather well. Could it be him...
Thinking this, a chill ran down Qin Wan's spine. Calculating it, Wei Yanzhi was also present during the first examination. He knew she could examine corpses, hence the later act of the headless female corpse to scare her?
Qin Wan frowned deeply. But what motive would he have?
"What did you think of?"
Yan Chi turned around, immediately seeing Qin Wan's deeply contemplative face.
Qin Wan snapped back to reality and shook her head. "Nothing..."
Yan Chi narrowed his eyes, his gaze dark and intimidating, carrying a dangerous edge. "You're lying to me."
His statement was absolute. Qin Wan pressed her lips together and said, "I just remembered that day when the Young Princess and I met Young Master Wei. Young Master Wei said he didn't know how Miss Song was at the mortuary. I replied at the time that Miss Song was fine. His first reaction was to ask if I had been to the mortuary. I covered it up then, and he didn't press further."
Yan Chi's brow knitted. "Prefect Huo investigated. He's not left-handed."
Qin Wan gave a bitter smile. "So no one suspected him. Perhaps I'm overthinking it myself."
Yan Chi shook his head but didn't speak. Qin Wan finished applying the medicine and threw the bloodstained robe aside. "This can't be worn. Your Highness, please put your middle garment back on."
Yan Chi carefully pulled on his middle garment and fastened the clasps. Qin Wan sighed. "Your Highness's back wound has reopened. The seven-day agreement likely cannot be fulfilled. When does Your Highness plan to leave?"
Yan Chi glanced at Qin Wan. "You needn't concern yourself with that. As long as I stay one more day, you treat me for one more day."
Qin Wan nodded. Remembering everyone was waiting outside, she walked to the door and opened it. Sure enough, Grand Princess Jiayi and the others looked over with concern. "Wan'er, how is Xiao Qi?"
Qin Wan wore an apologetic expression. "The wound reopened. It's not good."
Hearing this, Yue Qiong's eyes darkened. Qin Wan was about to apologize when a voice sounded behind her. "It's nothing serious. Injuries on the battlefield were much worse than this. It's fine."
Qin Wan turned to see Yan Chi already standing behind her. She looked up. Yan Chi's face was shadowed against the light, his expression hard to discern, but for the first time, Qin Wan felt he was so tall and resilient.
Seeing Qin Wan looking up at him, Yan Chi gazed down at her from his height. From this angle, he could see her slender neck curved like a graceful swan. Her eyes met the light, clearer and brighter than ever before. Yan Chi could see his own reflection in her eyes. His cold, stern features reflected in her gaze seemed tinged with the warmth of the lantern light.
"This time, we owe it all to Xiao Qi. Jia'er and the Wei nephew haven't returned yet; we don't know if they found out anything. Truly unexpected that on this Mid-Autumn Festival, such evildoers dare to cause trouble!"
As she spoke, Grand Princess Jiayi instructed Yue Qiong, "Find an outer robe for Xiao Qi."
Yue Qiong assented and left, returning shortly with a jade-white robe. "This is Jia'er's clothing. Please make do for now, Your Highness."
Yan Chi took it and put it on swiftly. His stature matched Yue Jia's; the robe fit perfectly. He usually wore black; now in white, he instantly appeared elegant and refined like an orchid branch or jade tree. The intimidating aura about him faded somewhat, replaced by a transcendent, noble air like a breeze under the moon. Beside him, Yue Ning's eyes widened in surprise.
Grand Princess Jiayi nodded. "Young people should wear brighter colors more often."
With that, she headed toward the cabin where she had been talking with Yue Qing earlier. Though injured, Yan Chi could still walk and followed. Before the group entered the cabin door, Yue Jia and Wei Yanzhi returned. The two bowed to Grand Princess Jiayi, who hurriedly asked, "Well? Did you find out anything?"
Yue Jia shook his head. "The lantern tower belonged to the Sun family in the east of the city. It was built two days ago. That wine shop has been operating there for over ten years; it's owned by the young master of Ruifeng Tower, as you know. There's no issue with the lantern tower or the wine shop. The problem is that after the lantern tower was built, no one was assigned to guard it. Earlier, we went up to look. The most crucial rope had been cut. The rope was as thick as a bowl's mouth; the break clearly showed it was cut by a sharp tool. We also investigated the wine shop. Many young masters visited today; quite a few resembled Second Brother as Ninth Young Miss described. But they all had witnesses proving they were drinking the whole time."
He paused, a hint of helplessness in his tone. "Your grandson believes that person must have fled amidst the crowd."
Grand Princess Jiaya then looked at Yue Qiong. Yue Qiong narrowed his eyes. "That person could lure Ninth Young Miss away when she was alone, meaning he likely knew her movements. Perhaps he had been following her all along." He looked at Yue Ning. "When you were shopping earlier, did you notice anyone suspicious?"
Yue Ning shook her head. "There were too many people, all jostling. I didn't notice anyone particularly suspicious."
Yue Qiong sighed, a troubled look appearing between his brows. If that were the case, it would be difficult to draw a conclusion. Then Qin Wan and Yan Chi would have suffered this ordeal for nothing. "Mother, should we summon the Prefect?"
Grand Princess Jiayi sighed. "It seems we can only…"
Before she could finish the word "only," Yang Xi, who had been guarding below deck, came up. "Marquis, Prefect Huo has arrived!"
Delight flashed in Yue Qiong's eyes. "We were just about to look for him, and he comes himself! Quickly, invite him."
At his command, Grand Princess Jiayi led everyone to the main cabin. Qin Wan followed behind the others, noticing the lantern boat was hung with the same lanterns inscribed with Buddhist scriptures she had seen in Grand Princess Jiayi's courtyard that day. Now, the lantern boat was brilliantly lit, like a jade palace floating on the sea. The shimmering lights on Li River Lake were increasingly mesmerizing. The night scenery was so beautiful, yet when Qin Wan heard Huo Huaixin had arrived, a sense of foreboding spread in her heart.
"Your humble servant pays respects to Her Highness the Grand Princess, pays respects to the Marquis."
Huo Huaixin was accompanied only by Chief Constable Qi. He strode forward, a light sweat on his temples. Grand Princess Jiayi waved her hand. "Rise. Weren't you unavailable to come today? Why are you here?"
Huo Huaixin looked somewhat tense. Hearing this, he glanced around the room. Qin Wan noticed his gaze lingered on Yan Chi for a moment longer. Huo Huaixin rubbed his hands together. "Reporting to Your Highness, this official originally had no time to come. But about an hour ago, the men I sent to Ten Li Temple returned. They brought back news, forcing this official to make this trip."
Hearing this, Grand Princess Jiayi's spirits lifted. "What did the men you sent say?"
Huo Huaixin wore an expression of hesitation, as if something extremely unpleasant was hard to say. Grand Princess Jiayi frowned. "Since you've come, and there are no outsiders here, whatever news you have, speak plainly."
Huo Huaixin hurriedly straightened his back. "The men sent out have already located the relay station where the bridal procession rested at Ten Li Temple that day. As Ninth Young Miss predicted, there is indeed a birch grove near the station. Our officers went to the birch grove and indeed found some bloodstains in a corner. However, they couldn't find Miss Song's head. But..."
Huo Huaixin glanced at Yan Chi again, as if steeling himself. "But our men also discovered that on the very night the bridal procession rested there, His Highness Yan Chi and his troops also camped at Ten Li Temple. Moreover, their campsite was on the other side of the birch grove. So... so His Highness Yan Chi also has suspicion in this case..."