Chapter 26: Probes and Traps

Chapter 26: Probes and Traps

Dawn's pale light crept over the Dingguo Marquis' estate, but tension hung thick in the air.

News of Su Wanrou's confinement had spread like wildfire, spawning whispers: Why would the Marquess' wife imprison her own daughter? Had Su Wanrou broken clan rules, or was the household fracturing from within?

Amid the turmoil, Su Mingli remained serene. Seated in the courtyard, she leafed through a medical text, her fingers gliding over pages as calmly as if the world were at peace.

"Miss," Xiao Tao hurried over, voice hushed. "Word from the palace—the Crown Prince is seeking an audience with His Majesty today."

Su Mingli paused mid-page, then smiled faintly. "So soon?"

She had anticipated the Crown Prince's refusal to accept defeat.

Xiao Tao bit her lip. "If the Crown Prince speaks against you before the Emperor, the marquis' household could—"

"He won't act yet," Su Mingli interrupted, her gaze steady. "Not so directly."

Xiao Tao nodded, though unease lingered in her eyes.

Imperial Study, Palace

Crown Prince Xiao Chengrui knelt before the emperor's desk, his posture rigid, eyes smoldering with suppressed anger.

"Father, a troubling rumor has reached my ears regarding the Dingguo Marquis' household."

The emperor glanced up, tone indifferent. "Speak."

"It concerns Su Mingli, my former betrothed." The Crown Prince lowered his head deferentially. "They say she abused her status to frame her stepsister, Su Wanrou, forcing the Marquess' wife to confine her."

The emperor's fingers tapped the desk. "Is this true?"

"I dare not slander her," the Crown Prince replied smoothly, "but the marquis' estate buzzes with talk. Where there's smoke…"

Before he could finish, a cold voice cut through the air.

"How invested you are in the marquis' affairs, Your Highness."

The Crown Prince stiffened as Xiao Jingxuan strode into the study, his black brocade robes rippling like liquid shadow. A mocking smile played on his lips.

The emperor raised a brow. "Jingxuan? What brings you here?"

"Coincidentally," Xiao Jingxuan said, bowing slightly, "I, too, heard rumors—though mine differ. They say Su Wanrou colluded with outsiders to sabotage Su Mingli, hence her confinement."

The Crown Prince's eyes narrowed. "War Prince, your bias shows."

"As does yours." Their gazes clashed, sparks flying.

"Enough." The emperor's voice cracked like a whip. "I'll judge this matter myself. Another word from either of you, and I'll have you both flogged."

Both princes bowed. "As Your Majesty commands."

Palace Gates

Xiao Jingxuan lingered outside, watching the Crown Prince approach. "You overplayed your hand, Brother."

The Crown Prince halted, voice frigid. "Meddle less in affairs beyond your station."

Xiao Jingxuan's smile turned predatory. "Worry less about others' games… and more about your own survival."

The Crown Prince stormed away without reply. Xiao Jingxuan stared after him, eyes dark with calculation.

Dingguo Marquis' Estate, Side Courtyard

Su Mingli studied the Go board before her, a white stone poised between her fingers. She placed it with deliberate care as Xiao Jingxuan entered.

"A masterful play," he remarked, eyeing the board.

"Flattery suits you poorly," she replied without looking up.

He sat across from her. "The Crown Prince won't stop here."

"Let him come." Her tone was dismissive.

Xiao Jingxuan leaned forward, studying her face. "You grow more intriguing by the day, Su Mingli."

She met his gaze, her smile sharp. "As do you, War Prince."

Their laughter mingled in the night air, edged with the promise of bloodshed.