The jailer thought this far and waved his hand, "Then be quick about it. We’re going to change guards in a bit, and if someone else discovers..."
"Absolutely not, I’ll just say a few words and leave," Shao He pledged earnestly.
Only then did the jailer take him inside. Ah Mo had intended to follow, but was stopped by the jailer, "Only one person may enter."
"Wait for me outside," Shao He said before following the jailer into the prison.
Upon hearing whom she was visiting, the Fifth Prince, her steps faltered.
"I am the fiancée of the Fifth Prince."
The jailer immediately felt troubled; the Fifth Prince was now a major criminal here, and visits were generally not allowed. If the higher-ups found out, he’d be in hot water.
Sensing his thoughts, Shao He immediately assured, "No third person will know of this."
At this point, even if he escorted her out now, he’d likely invite suspicion.
"Alright, make it quick then."
The jailer still chose to lead her onward, though he felt uneasy. But looking at Shao He’s sincere eyes, he relaxed a bit.
When they reached the cell where the Fifth Prince was held, Shao He, seeing the disheveled figure inside, urgently called out, "Huaian."
Pei Huaian, hearing the familiar voice, looked up, and surprise flashed in his eyes.
"How did you get here?"
With a sigh, the jailer unlocked the door. Shao He sincerely apologized to him, then entered the prison.
"Are you okay? Did they torture you? Has Zhao Yuanjiang done anything to you?" Shao He examined him for any new wounds, and only after making sure there weren’t any, did she breathe a sigh of relief.
Pei Huaian chuckled lightly, shaking his head, "Don’t worry, I’m fine."
Only then did Shao He notice that Pei Huaian’s complexion was much paler than before, and she frowned, "You must take care of yourself. I’ve already found some clues and will be able to get you out of here soon."
Shao He didn’t mention the wrongful accusation against her; she didn’t want Pei Huaian to worry.
Hearing this, a shadow crossed Pei Huaian’s eyes, and he raised his hand to caress her cheek.
Shao He threw herself into his arms, listening to the strong beating of his heart.
Pei Huaian changed the subject, "Have you been mistreated outside? Have they bullied you? Has anyone made things difficult for you?"
Shao He shook her head, "I haven’t been mistreated, and you had Ah Mo stay by my side to protect me at all times, so I’ve been relatively safe."
"Good, that’s good," Pei Huaian nodded.
After chatting idly with him for a short time, Shao He then left the prison.
The jailer, seeing her come out, quickly led her away in haste.
Just as Shao He boarded her carriage, another carriage stopped, and she clearly saw that the person stepping down from the carriage was none other than the Second Prince, Pei Chengye.
Pei Chengye also noticed his carriage, his eyes narrowed slightly, Ah Mo. He pressed his straw hat down, and then with his head bowed, he drove the carriage away.
"Who was that in the carriage just now? Someone coming to visit the prison?" Pei Chengye asked the jailer.
"It’s, it’s, no, no, I didn’t let her in," the jailer stammered nervously, his heart pounding, fearing that any sign of deceit might be detected.
Fortunately, Pei Chengye didn’t make a big deal out of it and turned to enter the prison.
Pei Huaian, upon seeing the newcomer, closed his eyes. Pei Chengye didn’t get angry and cheerfully said, "It seems my little brother has quite the grievance with me."
"What wouldn’t you dare?" Pei Chengye mocked coldly.
Pei Huaian, uninterested in talking nonsense with him, simply turned his head away to ignore him.
Pei Chengye waved his hand, and the jailer behind him immediately opened the door of the cell.
Pei Chengye walked up to him and stopped, leaning down, "I hear that Little Imperial Uncle is quite interested in Doctor Shao and that recently they have become quite close, does my little brother know of this?"
Finally reacting, Pei Huaian shot a cold glance at him, "I don’t know."
"Oh? That’s a pity, this could have been a great opportunity for you!"
Leaning against the cold wall, Pei Huaian said nothing; he knew Pei Chengye was here just to provoke him.
Seeing his silence, Pei Chengye continued, "Ah, it’s women everywhere. If you were willing to give Doctor Shao up, it would surely garner you a great future."
"Besides, it would be much better for Doctor Shao to follow the Little Imperial Uncle than you. Don’t forget that you are but a prisoner now!"
"What future could you offer her, a murderer, one who may be widowed at any moment?"
Pei Huaian’s face remained remarkably calm, without a trace of anger. He knew that anger wouldn’t solve anything; he had to endure.
Unable to provoke a reaction from the serene man, Pei Chengye grabbed his collar in fury, "Don’t think playing the mute will save you here. Since you won’t seize such an opportunity, I might as well profit from it!"
After speaking, he shoved Pei Huaian away and turned to leave the cell.
"If you dare touch her, I will make sure you regret it," Pei Huaian declared.
Pei Chengye paused for a moment but showed no fear, "Alright, I look forward to the day you make me regret it."
Pei Huaian watched his retreating figure and thought that some matters needed to be expedited now.