Huo Huaixin returned to the manor exhausted, heading straight to the main courtyard. Yuanshi cheerfully ordered meals to be prepared and went to help Huo Huaixin change his clothes. "Master, you've worked all night and look utterly drained. Even though official duties are important, you shouldn't push yourself so hard."
Huo Huaixin snapped irritably, "What do you know? Both cases are related to Marquis Anyang Manor. Mishandling either one could have serious consequences." As he spoke, he suddenly thought of Qin Guan and grew even more displeased. "Weren't you at the banquet that day and met the Marquis's wife? Do you know who saved the Grand Princess?"
At this question, Yuanshi's eyes flickered. "I heard it was someone from Qin Manor."
Huo Huaixin gritted his teeth. "Heard? I don’t believe you didn’t know—"
Yuanshi had a plump, rosy-cheeked face and a voluptuous figure. From a distance, her gentle demeanor seemed warm and pleasant, but up close, her shrewdness was evident. Reluctantly, she admitted, "Fine, fine. It was Qin Manor's Ninth Miss. That day, Qin Manor stole the spotlight, and everyone was saying that Ninth Miss is a medical genius of our time. The Grand Princess only met with her."
"Did you see Ninth Miss in person?"
Yuanshi pursed her lips haughtily. "I caught a glimpse from afar."
After changing, Huo Huaixin sat down. "What did you think of her?"
Pouring tea, Yuanshi scoffed dismissively. "Nothing special. I’ve told you before, Master—this Ninth Miss has been infatuated with our son for ages. But someone like her? Not a chance she could marry into our prefect’s household!"
With a loud smack , Huo Huaixin slammed his hand on the table.
Yuanshi jumped in fright, immediately dropping her arrogant expression. "Master, what’s wrong?"
Huo Huaixin glared at her. Remembering Jiang Shi’s warning not to mention Qin Guan’s involvement in the corpse examination, he only snorted coldly. "What a foolish, ignorant woman! Relying on baseless rumors, you nearly ruined our son’s excellent marriage prospects!"
Yuanshi widened her eyes. "What do you mean?!"
"Last night, I went to Marquis Anyang Manor. Qin Manor’s Ninth Miss was already there—the Grand Princess fell ill again, and Ninth Miss was summoned to treat her. She’ll be staying for a few days. I saw with my own eyes how much the Marquis and his wife trust and dote on her, let alone the Grand Princess!"
Huo Huaixin snorted again. "From what I observed, Ninth Miss’s temperament, character, and appearance far surpass even the noble ladies of the capital. In Jinzhou, you won’t find a second like her. I truly don’t understand how you could describe her as lacking virtue and beauty!"
Yuanshi was stunned. "Master… are you serious?"
Huo Huaixin smacked the table again. "Do I look like I’m joking?!"
Yuanshi clutched her handkerchief tightly. "But… no matter how much they favor her, she’s not the Marquis’s daughter. She’s an orphan, and you know how Qin Manor treats her. Even if she likes our son… Ning’er’s future wife should come from a prestigious family. That would benefit both your career and his future prospects—"
Huo Huaixin gnashed his teeth. "Still so shortsighted! The entire Marquis Anyang household is known for their virtue and integrity. Ninth Miss has saved the Grand Princess multiple times—they must feel deeply indebted to her. Last night alone, I could tell the Marquis’s wife already treats her like a daughter. And in the future, it’ll only grow stronger. Besides, Ninth Miss is still a legitimate daughter of Loyal Marquis Manor. The current Loyal Marquis holds power in court and values a reputation for benevolence and wisdom. For the sake of that reputation alone, he wouldn’t truly abandon her."Huo Huaixin narrowed his eyes again. "Setting all else aside, just Ninth Miss herself is more than a worthy match for Ning'er!"
Yuanshi hesitated, about to speak further when a maid outside softly announced, "Master, Madam, the young master has arrived."
The couple exchanged a glance. Huo Huaixin said, "Let him in."
The curtain lifted as Huo Ning entered in a moon-white brocade robe. "Father? I heard Second Young Master's matter has been resolved?"
Huo Huaixin straightened his expression. "It's settled. This could have been disastrous, but fortunately Ninth... fortunately, the discrepancies were discovered in time and thoroughly reinvestigated." Nearly slipping up, Huo Huaixin tensed slightly.
Huo Ning's face brightened. "Father is truly wise! I knew no case could ever stump you!"
Huo Huaixin's weathered face flushed—though his dark complexion hid it well. Clearing his throat, he quickly changed the subject. "What brings you here? Have you attended your studies today?"
Huo Ning shook his head. "Father, last night I reviewed the case files in your study."
Huo Huaixin frowned, eyeing his son. "You mean Miss Song's case?"
Huo Ning nodded eagerly. "Yes, Father. I wish to assist you in solving this case!"
Suspicion crept into Huo Huaixin's gaze. He knew his son's temperament—though talented, years of Yuanshi's doting had left him with more style than substance. "I've tried giving you practical experience before, but you showed no interest, claiming scholarly pursuits were your forte. What changed today?"
Chin lifted with pride, Huo Ning declared, "This case is extraordinary. First, I wish to share your burden. Second, I genuinely seek experience. Third—" His voice grew resolute, "I want to prove I'm more than just poetry and prose!"
While ambition was commendable, Huo Huaixin sensed something amiss. "'Prove'... to whom?"
A flicker of discomfort crossed Huo Ning's eyes, but he stiffened his neck. "To those who underestimate me!"
Huo Huaixin studied him, assuming literary critics had slighted his son. After brief consideration, he relented. "Very well, since you volunteered. Don't complain of hardship later."
Huo Ning squared his shoulders. "A true man fears no hardship!"
Pleased, Huo Huaixin smiled. "Good. Prepare yourself—this afternoon, accompany me to the Mortuary Temple."
Eyes alight with excitement, Huo Ning cheerfully acknowledged before striding out.
As he left, Yuanshi gazed after him with maternal pride. "Look at our son, husband—such refinement and drive! If we secure him a noble match from the capital, his future will surely soar to—"
Before "great heights" could leave her lips, she met Huo Huaixin's simmering glare.
Gritting his teeth, he commanded, "You—visit Qin Manor with gifts this afternoon!"
Yuanshi gaped in protest, but Huo Huaixin stood abruptly. "I have plans. If your meddling ruins them, you'll answer to me." Without allowing rebuttal, he strode out.
Two hours later, Bai Feng whispered to Yan Chi upon his return to Marquis Anyang Manor: "Governor Huo specifically requested Ninth Miss attend today's case review. Shortly after his return, the governor's wife visited Qin Manor bearing gifts."
As Yan Chi removed his wrist guards, his brows knitted, sharpness flashing in his eyes.Bai Feng hesitated, "What are your plans, Crown Prince?"
Yan Chi snapped back to attention and continued unhurriedly removing his wrist guards, only asking, "Have you prepared what I asked for?"
Bai Feng quickly nodded, "It's ready. The finest craftsman from the Jiangzhou Wei family."
Yan Chi gave a noncommittal "Hmm," his lean, tall profile inexplicably radiating coldness.
Bai Feng's expression turned serious, "And regarding the prefect's wife..."
Yan Chi let out a cold laugh. Though he said nothing, the mocking curve of his lips and the icy glint in his eyes alone made Bai Feng shiver involuntarily. Back in Shuoxi, whenever their Crown Prince wore such an expression, it meant the Rong enemies across the border were about to face a blood-soaked, crushing defeat!
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