The Fourth Prince shook his head and said, "No, but I suspect it must be the work of Celestial Master Zhang’s enemies."

Lord Liu frowned: "Oh! Why does the Fourth Prince say this?"

The Fourth Prince: "Isn’t it obvious? The villain didn’t steal money, nor did they take any items, they just chopped off the Master’s hand. Isn’t it clear that they wished to ruin his reputation as a Heavenly Master? Perhaps Celestial Master Zhang had previously read this person’s fortune and maybe got it wrong, so they held a grudge, sneaked into the Celestial Master’s Mansion during the night, and exacted revenge on Celestial Master Zhang."

Lord Liu nodded repeatedly and said, "The Fourth Prince’s analysis is very reasonable. I will immediately send someone to investigate whether Celestial Master Zhang has any enemies."

The Fourth Prince smiled gracefully, exuding the demeanor of a refined gentleman: "Lord Liu works tirelessly day and night for matters of the country, it has been hard on you."

Lord Liu: "Receiving the Lord’s salary, I should bear the Lord’s worries, it is my duty. Besides, serving The Emperor, I am willing to give even my life without hesitation."

The Fourth Prince praised, "Moli Country is fortunate to have loyal ministers like you; it is a blessing both for the imperial father and for the people."

As they spoke, they had already arrived at the gate of the palace.

Lord Liu cupped his hands in farewell, "The Fourth Prince’s words have enlightened me. After solving the case, I shall visit and give my thanks another day. Farewell."

The Fourth Prince smiled and said, "Please, Lord Liu."

Lord Liu turned and got into the palanquin, leaving promptly, determined to handle the important case The Emperor entrusted him well, hoping The Emperor would rely more heavily on him in the future.

The Fourth Prince stood in place, watching as Lord Liu’s palanquin gradually disappeared into the distance, the palanquin porter stepped forward and cautiously said, "Fourth Prince, it’s time to return to the mansion."

"Mm!"

The Fourth Prince didn’t even glance at him. He turned around and climbed into the palanquin.

As the palanquin porter looked at the Fourth Prince, clad in a deep red robe, he felt something amiss. Before the incident, he had never seen the Fourth Prince wear red before; yet recently, it was worn daily. A big man dressed like this seemed strange.

When the palanquin was almost back to the fourth prince’s mansion, the Fourth Prince suddenly drew open the curtain, leaned out and said, "Palanquin Porter, don’t go back to the mansion. Head to the Celestial Master’s Mansion."

"Yes," the four palanquin porters responded in unison.

Celestial Master’s Mansion, at the gate.

The usually quiet gate of the Celestial Master’s Mansion was today crowded with various luxurious carriages and palanquins.

Those visiting today were mostly court officials or high officials and nobles of the Capital, who had received news early saying the Heavenly Master met with misfortune last night, so they hurried over to show their concern. 𝘧𝓇ℯ𝑒𝓌𝑒𝑏𝓃𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭.𝒸ℴ𝓂

Among them, there were those who came out of curiosity, and of course, there were some sincerely visiting Celestial Master Zhang.

After all, Celestial Master Zhang was favored by The Emperor, so they wanted to curry favor.

However, after this upheaval, it was uncertain whether The Emperor would continue to favor Zhang, all were watching and waiting. It doesn’t hurt to visit; if Celestial Master Zhang retains The Emperor’s trust, they could become allies in times of need, making it easier to request favors.

All visitors had their own motives, holding gifts in hand, with faces full of apparent concern.

The hall.

Everyone tried to console the worried-faced Lady Zhang.

"Lady Zhang, don’t be too sad. Heavenly Master is a blessed man, he will be fine."

Lady Zhang, seated on a chair, hadn’t closed her eyes since yesterday, looking extremely weary, she spoke weakly: "The Old Master hasn’t woken up since last night! How can I not be worried!"