"To resolve it, one must either be deeply versed in this art or be the caster themselves." Xiao Huayong pondered, unsure if he could locate the person he encountered years ago. However, since Xiao Changyan had gathered such extraordinary talents, Xiao Huayong felt it necessary to devote effort to finding them. He wasn’t afraid for himself but couldn’t help worrying about Shen Xihe potentially encountering them. "That gentleman briefly mentioned to me that the Soul-seizing Art isn’t a single technique..."
The Soul-seizing Art isn’t as sensational as those unfamiliar with it might imagine. Its methods of execution vary depending on the practitioner’s preferences, but all require a medium to cast the spell on a person, thereby achieving control over their thoughts and intentions.
If this medium can be found, it can be destroyed, allowing the enchanted person to regain clarity.
At this thought, Xiao Huayong suddenly looked up at Shen Xihe. "Youyou, do not act rashly."
"Hmm?" Shen Xihe was puzzled by his sudden warning.
"Youyou, you’ve fallen into a trap," Xiao Huayong said quietly.
"I’ve fallen into a trap?" Shen Xihe was even more confused.
"Don’t you think it’s overkill for Xiao Changyan to deploy such a formidable person just to deal with Yu Gong?" Xiao Huayong countered.
Shen Xihe froze for a moment, pursed her lips, and remained silent.
After waiting a moment, Xiao Huayong continued, "The entire Rongcheng County is under Xiao Changyan’s control. He’s been in Dengzhou for so long—if he wanted to make Yu Gong a scapegoat, he had plenty of methods. Yet he chose to use such a talented individual because he suspects that someone is manipulating everything. He suspects that Yu Gong’s appearance as a scapegoat was too timely. He wants to use bait to see if his hypothesis is correct—that someone has set a trap, herding him into it."
How could ordinary means pique your curiosity or caution? Only such extraordinary individuals could make you wary and compel you to investigate, ideally seizing the chance to eliminate this key asset of his."
Shen Xihe’s heart skipped a beat—this was indeed what she had in mind, and without Xiao Huayong’s reminder, she would have acted accordingly.
"What a clever move to throw a sprat to catch a whale," Shen Xihe praised.
She had nearly fallen into Xiao Changyan’s trap. Xiao Changyan was willing to reveal such a trump card just to lure her into exposing herself. There were likely more traps ahead, waiting for her to delve deeper step by step through this master of the Soul-seizing Art.
"I’ve underestimated him after all," Shen Xihe reflected inwardly.
"It’s not that you underestimated him, but that he deliberately made you let your guard down," Xiao Huayong said, not to comfort her but to analyze the situation factually. "After Pei Zhan died in the northwest, he became wary of you. Your actions at the resort made him see you as even more formidable. So, since you arrived in Dengzhou, he has consistently appeared weak, letting you suppress him time and again, making you relax and misjudge him..."
Among his brothers, the three most difficult to deal with are the fourth prince, Xiao Changtai; the fifth prince, Xiao Changqing; and the eighth prince, Xiao Changyan.
Xiao Changtai is cunning and vicious, Xiao Changqing is meticulous and steady, and Xiao Changyan is profound and patient.
Xiao Changtai’s cunning means that as long as he refuses to give up, no matter how cornered he is, he can survive like a lizard shedding its tail. If not for Ye Wantang being his weakness, he might not have died so easily.The Fifth Prince is cautious; he does not act rashly nor make enemies lightly. However, once he sets his sights on a target, he devises a flawless plan, determined to strike a fatal blow without leaving any room for error. His prudence lies not only in offense but also in defense—he is so slick that no one can find a handle against him.
The Eighth Prince is patient; there is likely nothing in this world he cannot endure. He uses his forbearance to disguise his depth, allowing others to see only his superficial shortcomings, only to strike unexpectedly and deal his opponents a crushing blow.
Although Shen Xihe had investigated the various princes, she had not personally interacted with every one of them, and her knowledge of Xiao Changyan was particularly limited.
"In a few more years, the Prince of Yan will no longer be an ordinary man confined to a small pond," Shen Xihe sighed with admiration.
The Youning Emperor was skilled in raising his children—none of the grown princes were incompetents, and many were exceptionally brilliant.
"Based on what you've said, it seems unwise for me to continue investigating along the trail of Fifth Master Yu. If I press further,
the Prince of Yan’s injury would have been in vain." If she continued her investigation, it would reveal that she was the mastermind behind everything. The fact that Xiao Changgeng coincidentally exposed the connection between Xiao Juesong and Yu Gong would no longer appear coincidental, and Xiao Changgeng would be completely exposed. All the effort previously spent to get close to Xiao Changyan would have been for nothing.
"You cannot investigate, but that doesn’t mean I cannot," Xiao Huayong said, his smile growing more mysterious. "This is a good opportunity to let him meet the 'Imperial Uncle' and dispel the doubts in his heart."
Since Xiao Juesong had already been dragged into this, wouldn’t it be a waste not to make use of him?
"When do you plan to act? I’ll cover for you." This matter truly could only be handled by Xiao Huayong impersonating Xiao Juesong to conduct the investigation. Shen Xihe was both extremely curious and somewhat wary of this individual who wielded the Soul-seizing Art. It would be best to uncover the truth as soon as possible.
Nevertheless, she felt compelled to advise him, "Remember to proceed with caution and don’t force it. If it proves too difficult, I still have the Prince of Yan to rely on."
Even if impersonating Xiao Juesong failed to uncover this person, it wouldn’t matter. As long as Xiao Juesong truly made an appearance, Xiao Changyan’s final suspicions about Xiao Changgeng would vanish entirely. With Xiao Changgeng by his side in the future, there would be no worry about being unable to uncover the person behind him.
"I will handle this carefully. This matter is best dealt with sooner rather than later. How about tomorrow..." Xiao Huayong leaned in and whispered a few words into Shen Xihe’s ear.
Before nightfall, Shen Xihe summoned Yu Gong and asked him directly, "Prefect Yu, your son has confessed to his crimes without reservation. Do you have anything to say?"
Yu Gong slumped, his body stooped. What could he say? Plead innocence?
His son had already admitted guilt, and despite his own efforts to persuade, scold, and even beat him, he could not change his son’s mind. He had even stripped his son’s clothes to verify the birthmark and confirm it was indeed his own son.
"Your Highness, this humble official knows nothing of what my son has done. I have failed in disciplining my son and have betrayed the Emperor’s trust," Yu Gong replied weakly.
"Whether Prefect Yu was aware or not is not for me to decide. That judgment rests with His Majesty. However, your son’s crimes are evident to all. On that day, I stated that digging canals and channels was the top priority to resolve the urgent crisis. Anyone who obstructed this effort would be treated as defying the imperial decree and disrespecting His Majesty—punishable by death." Shen Xihe’s tone was grave. "To prevent the people’s rising anger from affecting disaster relief and undermining their unity of purpose, the execution will be carried out tomorrow at noon."
Yu Gong opened his mouth to protest but lifted his head and saw the imperial Golden Decree held by Biyu at Shen Xihe’s side. The words "the Crown Princess has no authority to pass judgment" stuck in his throat, unspoken.To a certain extent, Shen Xihe now represented the Crown Prince, who was too physically weak to appear in public. The Crown Prince was still the sovereign, and with conclusive evidence for charges like those against the Fifth Son of the Yu family, Xiao Huayong had absolute authority to decide the punishment. Even if he refuted Shen Xihe, it would only provoke the Crown Prince to step forward himself. He could no longer save his son.
Now, he could only try to save himself and the Pingyao Marquis estate.
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