Chapter 77: Extramarital Affair

Extramarital Affair

Everyone in the Dongling nation knew the relationship between Prince Chen, Yin Fengzhan, and Nie Jinxuan. So, when Yin Fengzhan said he had privately sent Nie Jinxuan to Meng Xian, no one doubted the possibility.

After all, given how much of a shrew Nie Jinxuan had been, it was enough for Yin Fengzhan to teach her a lesson, such as examining corpses!

Therefore, since Yin Fengzhan said so, everyone naturally couldn't ask anything more. Furthermore, Yin Fengzhan added that because it was a private matter, almost no one knew about it.

Nie Jinxuan finally escaped the crisis. After some more casual chatting, the group set off from the Imperial Palace directly to the Zuixiashanzhuang. Just as they were walking out of the side hall, Yin Fengxuan, who was following behind, couldn't help but pull Yin Fengzhan aside and whisper,

"Fourth Brother, you really have a way. To think of such a brilliant method! To actually let that woman examine corpses... hehe, brilliant! Truly brilliant!"

He couldn't help but give his Fourth Brother a thumbs-up. He then looked up at Nie Jinxuan, who was walking in front, but then couldn't help but wrinkle his nose.

"But this woman is really quite capable. Not only was she not scared, but she actually learned some tricks... oh, right, Fourth Brother, do you think it's because you sent her to that old man Meng Xian that she changed her nature? Otherwise, it's really quite eerie..."

Pulling at Yin Fengzhan, Yin Fengxuan kept talking behind him, but Yin Fengzhan said nothing, his deep eyes fixed on a familiar back in front of him, never blinking...

The journey from the Imperial Palace to the Zuixiashanzhuang was not short, so they naturally had to take a carriage. Nie Jinxuan had wanted to ride in the same carriage as Nie Jinhui, but in the end, she was personally arranged by Noble Consort Zhang to ride with Yin Fengzhan.

Nie Jinxuan was naturally very reluctant, but out of respect for Noble Consort Zhang, she had to make do.

Nie Jinxuan rode in the same carriage as Yin Fengzhan again. This time, as in previous times, neither of them said a word after getting into the carriage. Yin Fengzhan even closed his deep eyes and rested. Nie Jinxuan, after a moment of contemplation, looked up. Seeing Yin Fengzhan had closed his eyes, she began to observe the man before her.

A full forehead, sword-like eyebrows slanting into his temples, closed eyes—although he was a man, he had long eyelashes that even women would envy... a straight, sculptural nose, thin but sexy lips, a firm and well-defined chin, handsome and masculine contours...

This was the first time Nie Jinxuan had observed the man before her so carefully. But it had to be said that Yin Fengzhan truly had a face that could drive people crazy and was nearly perfect.

At this moment, his black hair was tied up with a simple yet luxurious jade crown, leaving only a few stray strands falling down. In the dim light of the carriage, it added an indescribable sense of casualness and charm.

Instantly, Nie Jinxuan withdrew her gaze, calmed her mood, and after a long while, she pursed her lips.

"Why did you say Meng Xian is my master?"

Nie Jinxuan couldn't help but ask, because she was truly curious why Yin Fengzhan had helped her out of the predicament. After all, given their current relationship, she wouldn't have been surprised if he had undermined her instead of helping.

But whether it was because Nie Jinxuan's voice was too soft or because Yin Fengzhan was truly asleep, he didn't react at all even after a long time. Seeing this, Nie Jinxuan frowned and asked again... but this time, just as she opened her mouth, she was interrupted by Yin Fengzhan, who suddenly spoke.

"Why..."

"Do you have a better excuse?"

Yin Fengzhan said in a low voice. After speaking, he suddenly opened his eyes and met Nie Jinxuan's gaze. Hearing this, Nie Jinxuan was shocked.

"... what do you mean by that?"

"What else? Tell me, why do you know how to examine corpses?"

Yin Fengzhan's expression remained unchanged, but his deep, ink-like eyes stared at Nie Jinxuan without blinking. He then continued,

"Before you were married, you didn't even dare to look at a dead person in the Xiangguo residence. After you were married, you couldn't have had the opportunity to learn how to examine corpses in the Wangfu. So explain to me, why are you so capable now?! You even dared to step forward and examine a corpse that had been burned to charcoal!"

"Furthermore, as I said before, when Wang Fu died, you once stated the exact time of death. At that time, even Meng Xian didn't dare to say when Wang Fu had died. So how did you know?"

"And this time, not to mention, a human skull will explode under high temperatures; otherwise, the skull must have been shattered before death... So, Nie Jinxuan, I ask you, how did you know this?"

His low voice and unmoving tone were unexpectedly not as chilling as usual, but every word he said made Nie Jinxuan break out in a cold sweat.

"I..."

"At the same time, it is said that before you were married, you were arrogant and domineering in the Xiangguo residence, and you knew nothing about poetry or literature. Even after you were married, once in the Wangfu, you went to the accounting office to check the books, but you misread the name of a small servant in the residence... But now? I heard that you read medical books in your room, and your temperament is completely different from before!"

"Think about it, when did things start to change? It should have been when you were found in the same room as Wang Fu's corpse, right... So, Nie Jinxuan, explain to me properly, what is going on? And who exactly are you?"

At the very beginning, Yin Fengzhan had questioned who she was!

But at the time, Nie Jinxuan hadn't answered him, and so much time had passed that he hadn't brought it up again, so Nie Jinxuan had intuitively thought he wouldn't ask.

But in fact, she had underestimated the persistence of this man, Yin Fengzhan, to the point that she was now rendered speechless by his interrogation.

Nie Jinxuan didn't know how to explain. But in the blink of an eye, she suddenly calmed down, looked up at Yin Fengzhan, and smiled.

"So, you think I am a fake?"

Nie Jinxuan smiled charmingly. Instantly, Yin Fengzhan was stunned, but his face immediately darkened.

"Is there any other explanation?"

"Haha~, alright, since you say I, Nie Jinxuan, am a fake, then produce the evidence! And you... do you have any?"

Nie Jinxuan finally found her trump card! Yes, she wasn't Nie Jinxuan; she was the modern female forensic doctor Fang Zheng. But so what?!

Her body was Nie Jinxuan's, her memories were Nie Jinxuan's, so what evidence could prove she wasn't Nie Jinxuan?!

Of course, Nie Jinxuan also knew that this argument was somewhat shameless. But she was facing Yin Fengzhan, so she had nothing to hide!

So, upon hearing this, Yin Fengzhan narrowed his eyes and pursed his thin lips.

"... are you really not?"

"Whether I am or not... Yin Fengzhan, isn't that something you decided yourself?"

Nie Jinxuan still smiled like a flower, but after saying this, she paused and changed the subject.

"However, you told Noble Consort Zhang and everyone else that I learned how to examine corpses from Master Meng. What if someone investigates it thoroughly? And I don't think Master Meng will help you smooth things over."

Slightly restraining the smile on her face, Nie Jinxuan wanted to hear Yin Fengzhan's explanation. But hearing this, Yin Fengzhan just looked at her, and after a long while, he slowly closed his eyes.

"He will. Because he is also a human!"

The conversation ended there, and Yin Fengzhan pursed his lips and said nothing more. Since Yin Fengzhan didn't speak, Nie Jinxuan naturally wouldn't say anything either. Only the two of them knew their own thoughts.

After a bumpy journey, the carriage finally arrived at the Zuixiashanzhuang at dusk.

The Zuixiashanzhuang was an imperial villa of Dongling, located in the mountains and forests. Although elegant, it was not lacking in grandeur, with carved railings and painted beams revealing luxury. Especially at dusk, the evening glow reflected off the unique golden roof ridges of the Zuixiashanzhuang, making it truly beautiful.

So when Nie Jinxuan stepped out of the carriage, she couldn't help but pause... she saw a sea of red and gold in the sunset glow of the maple forest, reflecting the carved buildings before her, all shining brightly. It was like a ethereal illusion of the Western Paradise, and also like a beautiful, fairyland-like scene on earth.

Nie Jinxuan was stunned. But after a moment, she recovered and looked up to find Yin Fengzhan, who was standing in front, looking at her quietly.

Instantly, Nie Jinxuan felt her face heat up. Fortunately, Nie Jinhui hurried over from behind and took her arm, and the group walked into the Zuixiashanzhuang together.

The Spring Sacrifice was a major event for the Dongling royal family every spring. So, after Noble Consort Zhang, Yin Fengzhan, and Nie Jinxuan's group entered the villa, someone immediately came to receive them. Noble Consort Zhang and the concubines were settled in the back courtyard, while the other royal family members were arranged in the front courtyard.

Everything was arranged properly. But later, when Nie Jinxuan arrived at the courtyard arranged for her, she was suddenly dumbfounded.

It turned out that in the courtyard, there were only two side rooms, one east and one west. Originally, this wouldn't have been a problem, but now there was an extra person, Nie Jinhui, so Nie Jinxuan and Yin Fengzhan had to share a room.

Nie Jinxuan was not happy at all. After all, when they stayed at the Yongxin Palace last time, Yin Fengzhan had run over in the middle of the night and tortured her half to death. The hard feel of the long chair was still fresh in her memory.

But in front of others, Nie Jinxuan couldn't say directly that she wouldn't share a room with Yin Fengzhan. So, after they entered the room, she immediately went to Yin Fengzhan's side.

"Yin Fengzhan, the bed you slept on last time, this time it's my turn!"

Nie Jinxuan deliberately lowered her voice. After speaking, she didn't forget to glance quickly at Xiao Xiu and the other maids who were busy tidying up the luggage and bedding in the room, then returned her gaze to Yin Fengzhan beside her.

But at this moment, whether Yin Fengzhan didn't hear her or otherwise, he didn't even look at Nie Jinxuan and strode directly to the bed that had just been tidied up and sat down.

Yin Fengzhan didn't speak. Seeing this, Nie Jinxuan widened her eyes and took two steps to Yin Fengzhan's side.

"Yin Fengzhan, what do you mean? Let me tell you, don't think you're sleeping on the bed this time!"

Nie Jinxuan was a bit angry. But at this moment, no matter what Nie Jinxuan said, Yin Fengzhan didn't make a sound, even treating Nie Jinxuan as if she were air!

"You..."

By now, even a fool would understand what Yin Fengzhan was thinking. But just then, just as Nie Jinxuan was so angry that she wanted to reach out and pull him off the bed, a young eunuch walked in silently from outside with his head bowed.

"This servant greets Prince Chen and the Princess Consort of Chen. The Emperor has a decree: after the Prince and Princess Consort have rested, please go to the Jufeng Tang for a banquet."

The young eunuch spoke respectfully. After speaking, he bowed to Yin Fengzhan and Nie Jinxuan, then retreated quietly as he had come.

The Emperor had given an order. Although Nie Jinxuan was angry, she couldn't continue to pester Yin Fengzhan. She began to tidy up her appearance, and after more than a quarter of an hour, she went to the Jufeng Tang with Yin Fengzhan.

The Jufeng Tang was located in the center of the Zuixiashanzhuang. It was called a hall, but it was actually a spacious square. Because of this, all gatherings and banquets held at the Zuixiashanzhuang were arranged in the Jufeng Tang.

The servants in the Zuixiashanzhuang were also selected directly from the palace, so they were naturally efficient. So, when Yin Fengzhan brought Nie Jinxuan and Nie Jinhui to the Jufeng Tang, the large square was already lit with exquisite palace lanterns, and the banquet was already prepared. At the same time, other royal family members had also arrived.

Seeing this, Yin Fengzhan said nothing and walked directly to his seat. Nie Jinxuan and Nie Jinhui followed closely and sat down in order. Not long after, when everyone had arrived, a voice was heard announcing,

"The Emperor has arrived, the Empress has arrived!"

The Emperor and Empress Duan arrived, followed by the concubines led by Noble Consort Zhang. Everyone stood up to bow, and after the ceremony, the banquet officially began.

But unexpectedly, just as everyone sat down, the Emperor, sitting above, scanned the crowd below, and his face darkened.

"Where is the Fifth? Why hasn't the Fifth arrived yet?"

The Emperor spoke in a low voice, not loud, but it startled everyone present. But just as the Emperor's voice fell, a laugh came from outside.

"Haha~, I'm here, I'm here~! Why is Father so angry? For a major event like the Spring Sacrifice, I will naturally attend~!"

The person who arrived spoke with a laugh. At this moment, Nie Jinxuan, who had been sitting in her seat with her eyes lowered, was stunned and looked up at the person who arrived. But the moment she saw him, she was dumbfounded.

Because the person who arrived was the young man she had met twice before!

The young man was actually the Fifth Prince of the current dynasty?!

Nie Jinxuan was stunned. At this moment, seeing her dazed look, Yin Fengzhan, sitting beside her, frowned.

"What's wrong?"

"Uh... nothing!"

Realizing the young man's identity, Nie Jinxuan wanted to tell Yin Fengzhan directly, but she closed her mouth and said nothing. After responding briefly to Yin Fengzhan, Nie Jinxuan fixed her gaze on the young man, the Fifth Prince, Yin Fenglian.

But just as Nie Jinxuan fixed her gaze on Yin Fenglian, she saw Yin Fenglian turn his head and flash a smile at Nie Jinxuan.

Seeing this, Nie Jinxuan was stunned. Then, looking again, she saw Yin Fenglian striding forward and smiling at the Emperor sitting above.

"Haha~, I greet Father. It has been many days, I hope Father is well?"

In front of everyone, Yin Fenglian was very bold. But hearing this, the Emperor, whose face was already gloomy, slammed his hand on the table before him.

"You bastard, you still have the face to ask if I am well?!"

"Haha~, why shouldn't I ask? Of course, if Father doesn't want me to ask, I won't ask."

It seemed that among all the princes, only the Fifth Prince, the Prince of Qin, Yin Fenglian, dared to speak to the Emperor like this. So, as soon as Yin Fenglian's words fell, the Emperor was furious.

But seeing the Emperor's rage, Yin Fenglian just laughed, and without waiting for the Emperor to speak, he turned and returned to his seat. This made the Emperor even more furious.

The appearance of the Prince of Qin, Yin Fenglian, caused quite a stir in the Jufeng Tang. After the stir subsided, the banquet continued as usual.

After the initial surprise, Nie Jinxuan had been secretly observing him. But because she was paying too much attention to Yin Fenglian, she didn't notice that while she was staring at Yin Fenglian, Yin Fengzhan, sitting beside her, was also secretly staring at her!

So, after the stir subsided, Nie Jinxuan watched Yin Fenglian, who was sitting diagonally opposite, chatting and laughing with others, and then whispered to Yin Fengzhan beside her,

"Yin Fengzhan, who is that Fifth Prince? How can he speak to the Emperor like that?"

"He is special!"

Yin Fengzhan glanced at Nie Jinxuan, who was leaning close to him, with an unmoving expression. Hearing this, Nie Jinxuan looked up in confusion.

"Special? What do you mean?"

"Are you that interested in him?"

Nie Jinxuan's questioning caused Yin Fengzhan to narrow his eyes. Before Nie Jinxuan could understand what was going on, she saw Yin Fengzhan reach out and grab her waist tightly, leaning into her ear to whisper,

"Nie Jinxuan, you had better understand: even if you are having an affair, you had better do it cleanly!"