Chapter 85 (2/2)

Situ placed a hand on her shoulder. “She was drunk, and I sent her back to her room to rest. The head steward of the Crown Prince's residence sent us back himself.”

Before General AN could reply, Li Hengba cut in coyly again. “If that's the case, was I right to say that you, General Situ, had left the banquet as well?”

“You seem to care much about our General Situ, Master Li.” Feng Luodi finally found a chance to retaliate, trying to hide her nervousness from the crowd. “I guess that's normal, seeing as how important a figure General Situ is in these lands. But perhaps, you should think before you make such hasty decisions, Master Li. After all, this is the kingdom of the Xianbei, and not yours to do as you wish.”

Li Hengba froze for a second and cast a glance at General An and the n.o.bility of the Xianbei Kingdom, quickly deciding to keep his opinions to himself upon seeing their darkened expressions.

“Let's not make any further decisions before the King arrives.” General An did not pursue the issue. “Everyone present is a suspect, and we will question all fairly.” He looked at the body on the floor quietly, sadness apparent in his eyes.

Still, Feng Luodi found it hard to believe that the Crown Prince whom they were speaking to just a few hours before was now dead, his body covered by a white cloth, obscuring even his face. She turned to Situ, but he was already resting with his eyes closed. Learning from her recent mistake, she decided to keep her questions to herself.

Before long, a royal attendant rushed into the antechamber.

“Attendant Chen. Where is the King?” General An quickly stood up.

“The King's illness had gone into remission, being too distraught upon hearing news of the Crown Prince's death.” The attendant panted. “I bring his word: General An is to lead the investigation regarding the death of the Crown Prince, and everyone is to comply with the investigation.”

“Attendant Chen, how is my father doing?” The Fourth Prince stood up.

Attendant Chen turned and bowed towards the 4th Prince. “The King had fainted upon hearing the news, and is being tended to by the Royal Physician. I dare not speak casually about his condition; I believe it's best if you see for yourself.”

“That is correct indeed.” The Fourth Prince turned to leave. “I worry for the health of Father, and shall leave to check on him at once.”

“Hold on a minute, your Highness.” General An stopped him. “Perhaps it's best if you wait for the investigation to be complete before you visit the King. After all, nothing will happen to the King with the Royal Physician tending to him.”

The Fourth Prince's expression darkened.

The Third Prince laughed a little. “He's right, brother. No need to be worried. Why don't you carry on with the investigation then, General An.”

Feng Luodi blinked. Why do I feel like a sense of animosity between the Third Prince and his brothers?

“Please give us some time. A coroner is already checking the body of the Crown Prince.” General An nodded, and turned to the crowd.

As time pa.s.sed, the crowd began to stir. The amba.s.sador of Sushen intended to leave, but was quickly stopped by his attendant. Many glances were directed at Situ, as if they were waiting to see what he would do. To their disappointment, he appeared to play by the rules and continued resting with his eyes closed. Now Feng Luodi understood what the rest had meant by Situ's “influence” in the North. Indeed, he was the inaugural “king” of the North, and many followed his example. If only I was there when he took the North by force! That would've definitely been a legendary tale for generations to come!

Before long, the deathly silence was broken by the coroner.

“General An, the Crown Prince had died due to poisoning. The poison he had ingested was mild, and it took some time before it set in and caused his death.”

“How was he poisoned?” General An's voice was laced with anger.

“I've checked. His Highness had not consumed anything other than wine since noon.”

“Bring all the goblets and cups that the Crown Prince had used since the afternoon!” General An shouted.

Faces changed as the cause of death was revealed. Feng Luodi glanced around, trying to take in the reactions of the guests and n.o.bles alike.

“Don't.” Situ stopped her.

“Hmmm?” Feng Luodi looked at him, surprised.

Situ did not even open his eyes. “The lesser you know, the better it is.”

“Okay.” Feng Luodi turned her attention back to the cup in her hands.

Before long, three cups were brought into the hall, and the coroner examined each of them carefully. Picking up one of them, he turned to General An.

“General, this was the cup that had been laced with poison.

“Who was the one who had poured wine for the Crown Prince tonight?” General An's steely gaze swept over the group of attendants.

Suddenly, an attendant fell to his knees, kowtowing to the General.

“Forgive me General! I was instructed by someone else!”

His words caused a stir in the crowd, and even Situ opened his eyes.

The Third Prince jumped to his feet, seemingly angrier than General An. “Who was it?!”

“It was…General Situ.” The attendant replied without a hesitation, a finger pointing in Situ's direction.