Despite his words, Ye Siheng secretly memorized several important talismans, prepared for any unforeseen circumstances. After half an hour, their work was done. Ye Siheng showed no signs of fatigue, which once again amazed Nanli.
Truly, some people are just blessed by the heavens.
By the time they resurfaced, dawn was breaking. Qing Feng, who had waited anxiously all night, was visibly relieved to see them. "Prince, Princess, you’re finally back!"
"Any unusual occurrences?" Ye Siheng asked.
"None," Qing Feng replied. "I also dispatched people to investigate the owner of this shop."
Ye Siheng nodded slightly, appreciating Qing Feng’s thoroughness. However, he doubted they would uncover anything significant.
Nanli sealed the entrance with talismans to prevent the sinister black mist from escaping. She glanced at the eastern sky, which was beginning to lighten, and yawned. "I’m too tired. Let’s go."
Without waiting for a response, she grabbed Ye Siheng’s hand, and they vanished in an instant.
In a dark chamber, Chong Jiu stumbled, barely able to stay on his feet. His injuries had caused him to lose a significant amount of blood. Despite his condition, he managed to cast a fire talisman, lighting the lamps around the room.
Carefully, he placed a small jar on the table. The jar, covered in intricate vermilion symbols, emitted an eerie aura. Satisfied that the jar was unharmed, Chong Jiu began tending to his wounds.
From the shelves lining the chamber, he took out various talismans and elixirs. Finding a suitable talisman, he bit his lip and removed his blood-soaked clothing, wincing as the fabric pulled away from his wounds.
Blood continued to flow, and he quickly activated the talisman, chanting incantations and pressing it against his injuries. A brilliant silver light flashed, lasting for several moments. When it faded, his wounds had healed, leaving only red scars and traces of blood.
Pain-free, Chong Jiu resumed his stoic demeanor, cleaned himself up, and changed into fresh clothes. Returning to the table, he gently touched the ceramic jar. "Master, although they found that place, your three souls and seven spirits are now well-nourished. There’s no need to continue using souls to nourish them."
The jar trembled slightly.
Despite his usual impassive expression, Chong Jiu’s eyes reflected respect and anticipation. "The fetus compatible with you will be born in a few months. Soon, Master, you will be reborn."
With that, he used another talisman to put the souls inside the jar into a dormant state to conserve their energy.
The discovery of the strange coffin beneath the shop was not made public. However, the elimination of the water ghost in the moat brought great relief to the townspeople. Meanwhile, new disturbances had arisen in the court.
Several officials had been attacked while out, some having their tongues cut out, others losing teeth. The perpetrators were like phantoms—no one had seen them, let alone captured them. This caused widespread fear.
Quickly, it was noticed that the injured officials had one thing in common: they had all spoken ill of the Ninth Princess. The suspicion fell on the Ninth Prince, known for his ruthless methods.
Those who had their teeth knocked out could still endure, but those who lost their tongues were left speechless, their careers in ruins. They gathered in the imperial study, moaning to Emperor Muwu about their plight.
Emperor Muwu, seeing their miserable state, frowned as he read their petitions. "Stop wailing like mourners. Can’t you be quiet? You’re giving me a headache."
Silencing their cries, the officials waited anxiously. Emperor Muwu continued reading, his expression darkening. "Baseless accusations. No witnesses, no evidence! Do you know the punishment for slandering a prince?"
The officials, expecting this reaction, were undeterred. Unable to speak, they wrote their grievances, explaining that they had offended Ye Siheng and were now suffering his retaliation. They pleaded for the emperor to investigate.
Emperor Muwu asked, "How did you offend the Ninth Prince?"
The officials exchanged glances, eventually writing down the truth. To them, their crude remarks were insignificant.
Upon reading, Emperor Muwu’s face darkened further. His eyes, usually dim, now blazed with anger. "How dare you!"
Criticizing the Ninth Prince was one thing, but slandering the Sixth Princess was unforgivable. The emperor, burdened by guilt for his past actions under poison influence, deeply respected Nanli’s magnanimity and contributions to the kingdom.
These officials had done little for the kingdom, yet their mouths spewed filth. Shocked and fearful, they prostrated themselves, their leader quickly writing: "Your Majesty, forgive us. We know our wrongs, but the Ninth Prince’s response is too harsh!"
Emperor Muwu sneered, "Harsh? I don’t think so. You’ve admitted to slandering the Sixth Princess. According to the law, you should receive thirty lashes."
The head eunuch couldn’t help but chuckle quietly.
Terrified, the officials tried to protest, but their injured tongues rendered them mute. Emperor Muwu, face cold, declared, "Rest assured, I will have the Minister of Justice thoroughly investigate these attacks. If it’s truly the work of the Ninth Prince, I will punish him fairly."
However, the emperor doubted any evidence would surface. With a wave, he had the imperial guards drag the officials away to receive their punishment in a public place, ensuring everyone understood the consequences of their words.
Back at the prince’s residence, hearing about the incident, Ye Siheng’s expression turned scornful. "No wonder they gossip so freely—they’re brainless."
Qing Feng, worried, said, "This matter has caused quite a stir. It’s not your reputation that concerns me, but what if the princess finds out...?"
After all, the princess devoted herself to exorcising ghosts and saving people, focusing on accumulating good karma.
Ye Siheng set down his documents, his brows furrowed in concern. His eyes flickered with a murderous glint as he murmured, "I should have killed them all to prevent this mess. Then A’Li wouldn’t have to find out."
Qing Feng gulped, thinking the prince’s ruthlessness was extreme.
Just then, Rainbow’s voice came from outside, "The princess is back."