Chapter 213 The Identity Of The Culprit (2/2)

The Prince put the towel back onto the shelf before walking out with Yun Shang. The chamberlain was waiting for them in the living room. He approached the Prince and Princess as soon as he spotted them. He reported, ”Your Highnesses, the boy who was instructed to deliver Her Highness's dinner has disappeared.”

”Disappeared?” Yun Shang and Prince Jing blurted out in unison. Yun Shang sighed. She had expected that when she asked for the boy. If the culprit was capable of smuggling a maid into Prince Jing's Mansion, he or she would definitely be capable of silencing the boy.

”Send my men to investigate the matter and report every detail to me. Be quick and thorough.” Snapped the livid Prince Jing.

Nervous and sweaty, the chamberlain quickly bowed and left the room.

”Let's go to the Palace. You've been worried about Lady Jin the whole night

ing me. Why? For what?”

The Empress took several deep breaths to restrain her anger. Her chest ached with the rage she felt when she heard Hua Jing's rebellious questions. She snorted, ”What gives you the right to ask me such questions? I've given you everything, and I can also take everything back. Who are you to argue with me?”

Hatred reflected in Hua Jing's eyes. She had nothing more to say to her mother. She glowered at the Empress before turning and running out of the Palace.

The Empress shivered at Hua Jing's hateful look. She felt as if ice had enveloped her heart. So, this ungrateful woman was her daughter. This was the daughter she had loved and cherished. What a marvelous result!

”Come! Send my men to keep an eye on the Princess. I'm sure she will try to do something without my permission. She needs to be watched!” The Empress snapped orders. She was aware that her father was preparing for an important matter. He was almost ready. The plan must not be ruined by Hua Jing's reckless deeds, or the Empress would be no longer able to protect her stupid daughter.

As Prince Jing and Yun Shang returned to Prince Jing's Mansion, the chamberlain approached them and reported, ”Your Highnesses, Madam Bai is waiting for you.”

Madam Bai? Who was she? Puzzled, Yun Shang shot a questioning look to Prince Jing.

The Prince explained, ”She is the shop-owner of Qixiang House, a perfumery in the Imperial City, where different kinds of rare spices and perfumes are sold. Yesterday, I asked her to examine your cosmetics, and today, she must have come to tell us the result. Come with me, let's hear what she has to say.”

Yun Shang nodded and followed Prince Jing to the front hall.

In the front hall, a young woman sat in a chair, waiting for them. Her hair was tied in a bun, which meant that she was married. Her face wasn't particularly beautiful, however, she radiated confidence and a sense of calmness. Yun Shang couldn't help studying this woman. When Prince Jing explained who Madam Bai was, the Princess had imagined the woman to be in her forties. She never thought the Madam would be this young.

As Madam Bai spotted them, she put down her teacup gracefully. She stood and clasped her hands before bowing to the Royals. ”Your Highnesses.”

Surprised, Yun Shang was now more curious about her. As a princess, Yun Shang was not allowed to go out of the Palace often, but she had heard the legends of Qixiang House. It was said that the rouge and powders made there possessed unique and long-lasting aroma, and its owner was skilled at socializing, which helped the business to flourish. However, Madam Bai was nothing like the rumor. The princess didn't spot any hints of flattery in her mannerisms. Her movement and speech were slow and unhurried. She was more like a lady born in an aristocrat house than an eager shop-keeper.

As Prince Jing and Yun Shang sat on chairs, Madam Bai cupped her hands again and bowed. Then she spoke, ”I have examined Her Highness's cosmetics. They are our production, but someone has added an exotic spice to it. The spice is called Yi Xiang. And although it is a kind of spice, it doesn't have any special scent. So, it's pretty hard to identify the spice based on its scent. However, the spice added to the cosmetics was not very finely ground, and could be easily distinguished from the original smooth powder. Although ordinary people can't tell the difference, as a person who has been dealing with cosmetics and spices all my life, I was able to spot the spice.”

Yun Shang nodded to her, as she asked, ”What is the effect of the spice?”

Madam Bai frowned as she answered, ”There was nothing special about it. It could be said that the spice has no effect at all.”

”Really?” Yun Shang remained silent as she pondered over Madam Bai's explanation. Why would the culprit add a spice that had no special effect to her cosmetics? What was the culprit's intent?

Suddenly, the Prince asked, ”If it is okay to use it alone, as you've said, what special effect will it have when used along with other herbs?”

Yun Shang narrowed her eyes. That was a possibility. However, a potion that could expedite child delivery was not rare, nor hard to distinguish. Many guests present during the celebration had medical skills. If there were such a thing that could trigger the effect of the drug, the guests would've noticed. It was not possible to hide such a thing from all the guests.

”There is a possibility, yes. But I have no knowledge of medicine. Your Highness will have to seek advice from a physician.” Said Madam Bai softly.