"Since that is so, this matter will be handled by Prince Li and Princess Consort Wu. The Emperor has been unwell recently; let’s not disturb him with this."
After hearing this, the Empress gave her orders.
The crowd nodded in agreement.
Hearing that the task was handed to Dongfang Li and Feng Bailing, Dongfang Li’s face showed delight, while Dugu Wu’s expression slightly darkened.
"Lord Hua, I heard Zhao Ang’s carriage collided with yours. I am truly sorry, he is from my palace staff. As for your horse carriage, I will have it repaired and delivered to your residence."
Just then, Hua Wushang, who had his left hand bandaged, came over.
Zhao Ang’s carriage had collided with his, and Hua Wushang received some injuries and had just returned from the Imperial Hospital.
"Thank you, Empress."
Hua Wushang said respectfully.
"Ah Ling, I’ll accompany you to the Internal Affairs Bureau to check the registry."
Dongfang Li cordially offered.
"That will trouble Seventh Prince then to check the registry. I will first take a look around the fish pond; maybe I can find some clues."
Feng Bailing sounded convincing talking about age of bones and missing people, but frankly, her equipment was limited.
Inside the Medical Cabin, there were only a few sets of resuscitation tools; there were no means to determine the age of bones.
Yet she still made bold claims, naturally because she had her methods.
Seeing Feng Bailing run faster than a rabbit, Dongfang Li’s face was somewhat stiff.
Dongfang Qi laughed awkwardly a couple of times, then took Dugu Wu and left.
Hua Wushang also bowed, leaving only Dongfang Li facing those gleaming white bones tinged with green.
"What a mess to deal with; it’s better to go find Ninth."
Dongfang Li scratched his head and went to find Dongfang Mosheng.
After Feng Bailing bid everyone farewell, she headed straight for the fish pond.
The fish pond was already sealed off by the Imperial Army.
After being allowed to pass, Feng Bailing rushed to the fish pond.
The fish carcasses in the pond had been cleared out, and the pond had been dredged again, no more bones were found beneath.
Zhao Ang had smuggled out a total of six skeletons from the palace; judging by their size, they were all between 1.58 meters and 1.7 meters, and all were females.
She reached the water’s edge and touched the water.
The Water Holy Seal inside her stirred slightly; Feng Bailing closed her eyes, hoping the Water Holy Seal would reveal something.
The Water Holy Seal could detect certain events that occurred in aquatic environments.
But Feng Bailing did not hold much hope.
As Dongfang Cheng had said, those bones were too old.
The pond water was fresh, periodically replaced with water from the moat, and the water’s memory was erased with each water change.
She could only try her luck, hoping for a breakthrough.
After soaking her hand in the pond for about fifteen minutes, a scene finally emerged in Feng Bailing’s mind.
It was a dark and windy night, all around was quiet.
Then, several little eunuchs were seen binding a palace maid in pink to the edge of the pond.
"Chen E, you should look at your status, daring to conceive the Dragon Seed."
Zhao Ang led the way, and with a wave of his hand, the little eunuchs threw the girl into the pond.
In a hurry, Feng Bailing only saw the face of the palace maid.
The palace maid’s face was filled with terror; she was pretty, her eyes somewhat resembling Princess Consort Mu’s. Without even a scream, she was thrown into the pond, where the piranhas frantically pounced on her, devouring her alive.
Above the pond, only blood-stained water remained.
"Release more water before dawn."
Zhao Ang, facing such a horrific scene, did not even furrow his brow, as if he was already accustomed to it.
"How long do you plan to keep standing there?"
An unsatisfied voice came from behind.