The Double-Chapter 509 - 156: Marriage Matters_2

Having killed Xue Fangfei herself, Princess Yongning might also be the mastermind behind the plot to murder Xue Huaiyuan, Fangfei’s father. Their sole connection to her involved Fangfei.

But why would Princess Yongning target her?

In her ears echoed the cold words of that stranger, "Only the dead can keep a secret."

What secret did she hold? She had but one secret, which was adding something into Xue Fangfei’s wine during Mother Shen’s birthday feast.

That was her secret!

Instantly, it all became clear why Princess Yongning would want her dead! Someone mysterious had threatened her to act against Fangfei, making her believe she was using poison, when it turned out to be something far more insidious. The identity of that person was unknown, but now it seemed very likely to have been Princess Yongning!

That was precisely why the princess wanted to send someone to kill her, because she could expose the secret! But why act now? It was nothing more than because a few days ago, during a feast at the Shen residence, Princess Yongning arrived and saw her there! Perhaps the sudden encounter reminded Princess Yongning of the uncontrollable evidence which she herself presented, or maybe it was the "Hu Jia Eighteen Beats" that unsettled not only herself but also Princess Yongning!

Indeed, it was a wicked scheme, killing two birds with one stone!

If she died, no one would know that someone had instructed her to administer that drug. Should one day the mystery of Fangfei’s death surface, all blame could then be heaped upon her. For—dead people can’t talk, much less defend themselves!

How similar, the events that transpired with Fangfei would now unfold with her!

Xiao Deyin felt a chill spread throughout her body.

She knew of Princess Yongning’s capability; if the princess could unnoticeably dispose of Fangfei, she could just as easily kill her. Prince Cheng’s influence was vast and his spies numerous; she would never be able to escape as long as she remained in Yanjing City.

But she had to flee, for Princess Yongning had resolved to silence her and surely would not rest until it was done.

Yet Xiao Deyin was afraid; before she could even leave the estate, she might already be dead.

Her mind raced, knowing that in Yanjing City, whether seeking escape or a hiding place, she couldn’t do it alone. She knew many people of high status but against Princess Yongning, they would all be eager to curry favor. In order to seek protection, she needed to find someone fearless before Yongning and possessing vast authority.

Who could that be?

After much thought, Xiao Deyin did indeed think of such a person. fɾeeweɓnѳveɭ.com

Jiang Li, the Grand Secretary’s daughter.

To be frank, Xiao Deyin truly disliked Jiang Li, for no other reason than during the Six Arts academy’s Zither examination, Jiang Li’s "Hu Jia Eighteen Beats" dazzled everyone; there were whispers that her skill might even surpass Xiao’s. Xiao Deyin couldn’t tolerate this, but since Li was Jiang Yuanbai’s daughter, there was nothing she could do. Thankfully, after that occasion, Jiang Li never showcased her zither talent elsewhere, which relieved Deyin somewhat.

Despite her strong dislike for Jiang Li, when Li boldly revealed in court that Princess Yongning was behind Feng Yutang’s scheme, it showed she wasn’t afraid of the princess’s power. Rumors also flew around the court that Jiang Yuanbai was at odds with Prince Cheng.

If this were true, then the Jiang family was not on the same side as Princess Yongning. Most importantly, Jiang Li declared in front of all the ministers that Xue Huaiyuan was Fangfei’s father and that Princess Yongning was the one instructing Feng Yutang to frame him. Was that an inadvertent remark, or did she already know something?

If she had intentionally spoken with some knowledge in mind, there could be an opportunity to exploit.

"I need to think," murmured Xiao Deyin, "what to do next..."

...

Jiang Li, in the Jiang Residence, had received news that the men sent by Ye Mingyu had successfully completed their task.

Ye Mingyu’s men were quick, and their act convincing, likely arousing no suspicion. Word had it that at the time, Xiao Deyin was pale and dispirited and distracted. Jiang Li knew that with Deyin’s intelligence, she would soon connect this incident to Fangfei’s case and subsequently to Princess Yongning.

A dog-eat-dog world, they were now at a stage where they shouldn’t yet tear into each other. At least, they should first discover who their real opponent was.

The counterfeit pregnancy drug Hai Tang was concocting would still take some time to finish. In the coming days, Jiang Li found herself once again with rare moments of leisure.

Soon after, Shen Ruyun would be married off.