569 The Secret About the Past 187 (1/2)

”Did you mistake me for my mother when I removed my mask that night?”

”Yes, you resemble her too much.”

”Does he read the news?”

”Yes.”

”I often appear on the news. Do you think he really hasn't seen photos of me before? Wouldn't he find it strange to see that my mother and I look so alike? If he really didn't see any of those photos, why don't you bring my photo to him and ask him about it?”

Thinking that it was a good idea, Tuoba Shuo agreed, ”Sure.”

”I just want to know if he's aware of my existence. If he is, why hasn't he come and look for me yet? Shouldn't he at least verify if I'm the daughter he lost? Or did he give me away willingly? You said he wasn't a heartless person, but it seems like the royals are the most heartless creatures ever. Perhaps he had already changed long ago,” An Xiaoning said with a gloomy expression.

”Yes. I'll ask him, because I'd like to know the reason too,” said an upset Tuoba Shuo.

”Do sketch me the floor plan of his study, bedroom, and the mansion he and his wife are living in. Tell me where the guards are at night too. I'd like to make some progress in this matter even though it may be dangerous. By the way, do you have any hallucinogens?”

”Hallucinogens?”

”Yes. I need some. Since I have to be on night duty, I definitely wouldn't have the chance to sneak out in the day to search for clues. But if I manage to drug His Highness unconscious, it would become much easier, although there'll still be guards on duty.”

”I do have some.” He stood up to bring her a few packets of the drug and said, ”A low dosage is enough to make him sleep for three to four hours.”

”Alright, I have to get going now. I can't be out for too long.”

He helped her up and said, ”Be careful at all times. Don't get too eager, it would take time for the truth to be out.”

”I know, don't worry, I'll be very careful.”

”Alright.”

An Xiaoning left and returned to Tuoba Gucheng's mansion.

Upon sight of Xiao Chi standing by on duty alone, she said to him, ”Lend me your phone.”

”Well, Young Madam, Young Sir instructed me not to lend you my phone again. He also said… that I don't have to report to him about you anymore.”

An Xiaoning felt as if her heart was stabbed by a dagger. She froze in shock and stood rooted to the ground.

Just what must she do to make him believe that she was innocent?

What did he want her to do?

What did he want?

”Okay.” She walked away.

Xiao Chi let out a sigh at the sight of how forlorn she looked.

An Xiaoning made her way up the stairs, completely sunk into a trance.

She really wanted to go out of the Autumn Palace to explain herself clearly. However, she would be giving up the best opportunity to search for the truth about her mother if she were to just leave.

Besides, even if she were to leave now, he might not necessarily hear her out.

She had never felt so physically and emotionally exhausted before.

She felt extremely drained.

My conscience is clear, I'm innocent!

But then again, who could hear her innermost thoughts?

Once An Xiaoning returned to her room, she lay down in bed. Her eyes felt uncomfortably dry and sore.

The moment she closed her eyes, images of her sweet memories with Jin Qingyan flooded her mind.

Yet, they felt just like sharp knives slitting her heart and inflicting pain on her.

She must find out the truth about her mother as soon as possible and leave the Autumn Palace!

She felt more empowered at the thought of her determination.