Chapter 458: A Meeting with Zheng Guanyin

"Alright, this is Zheng Guanyin's residence."

Princess Gao Yang pointed to the nearby courtyard and said, "This place is relatively private; few people come here normally, so it feels rather quiet."

"But the interior is quite nice; the last time I came I saw many children."

Chen Yan nodded; he was not surprised by that.

As for Zheng Guanyin, Li Jiandu is also involved, so she truly shouldn't appear in public.

"Let's go, let's take a look inside."

Saying that, he stepped inside, and Princess Gao Yang followed.

Just like the last visit, there were few guards here; after knocking for a long time no one opened, and Chen Yan felt a bit embarrassed.

Princess Gao Yang waved her hand and said, "Everyone has used you before, yet you still speak politely to them?"

She pushed the door open directly and walked in without hesitation.

Chen Yan twitched the corner of his mouth, said nothing, and followed Princess Gao Yang into the courtyard.

It seemed very quiet and spacious, and the children Princess Gao Yang mentioned were not found.

Only after they walked deeper did they faintly hear some youthful reading voices.

Chen Yan raised an eyebrow, and together with Princess Gao Yang followed the sound, finding in a school‑like room a middle‑aged beautiful woman teaching seven or eight children.

"Hehe… it seems we came at the wrong time."

Princess Gao Yang gave him a sideways glance and asked, "You still know how to say that?"

"Dignified Duke of Wei, can you stand up?"

Chen Yan's head was filled with black lines, about to retort, when the Zheng Guanyin inside seemed to notice them, letting the children continue reading, then calmly stepped out.

"Renowned Duke of Wei, Princess Gao Yang, may I ask what brings you here today?"

Zheng Guanyin was very direct, as if she could have written the six characters "I do not welcome you" on her forehead.

Chen Yan smiled lightly, "Properly speaking, I should call you aunt, but judging by how you look, I doubt you'd like that."

"I come today boldly with a request, but you probably don't want me to say it here."

Zheng Guanyin glanced up and down at Chen Yan; the young man before her was graceful, confident yet steady, and though youthful, already exuded a hint of authority.

Standing together with the equally youthful Princess Gao Yang, anyone arriving would be called a match made in heaven.

She sighed inwardly, a trace of helplessness flashing in her eyes and a hint of irritation, "I can't afford to call the dignified Duke of Wei aunt; if you have business, then follow me!"

Zheng Guanyin finished speaking, gestured for them to follow, and walked forward.

Chen Yan gave Princess Gao Yang a meaning‑laden look.

It seems that the reasoning Princess Gao Yang mentioned last time has perhaps struck Zheng Guanyin's heart.

Otherwise she wouldn't have used him and treated him so coldly.

In the main hall, Zheng Guanyin invited the two to sit, then personally poured a cup of tea for each.

"Speaking of it, this tea is actually a product of the Duke of Wei's estate. Nowadays the tea called Biluochun is truly hard to obtain, and I only received it a while ago when the Guanyin Maid sent someone to deliver it."

"Madam Zheng, since you wish to drink it, I'll have a few jin sent over tomorrow; it's just a little tea, saying it's hard to obtain is an exaggeration," Chen Yan replied with a smile.

Zheng Guanyin didn't want to discuss that, and asked directly, "Let's set that aside; what exactly brings the Duke of Wei here today?"

"Actually it's nothing," Chen Yan said with a friendly face, "May I ask if Madam Zheng has heard anything today about the Crown Prince?"

"Crown Prince?" Zheng Guanyin asked puzzled, "What's wrong with the Crown Prince?"

Chen Yan said plainly, "The Crown Prince was poisoned; the poisoner's technique was extremely skillful, nearly killing the Crown Prince, who still lies in bed."

"And His Majesty has still not found the poisoner."

Hearing this, Zheng Guanyin's complexion changed dramatically, and she exclaimed, "You don't happen to suspect me, do you?"

Princess Gao Yang, after hearing that, had the same suspicion; otherwise how could it make sense that Chen Yan stared blankly for so long and then dragged her without explanation to find Zheng Guanyin?

If Zheng Guanyin were the one who poisoned Li Chengqian, everything would add up.

First, Zheng Guanyin indeed has that motive.

Li Shimin killed her husband, so it wouldn't be surprising for her to poison Li Shimin's son.

Secondly, Zheng Guanyin wields many connections, as evident from how she was able to slander Du Ruhui last time.

Otherwise it could not have led to a chancellor's imprisonment.

Thinking this, Princess Gao Yang's eyes toward Zheng Guanyin already bore a murderous glint.

If that were true, Zheng Guanyin not only used her husband but also poisoned her brother.

Princess Gao Yang felt she couldn't wield a great sword, but a small knife should be fine!

However, as the atmosphere grew tense, Chen Yan waved his hand and laughed, "Madam Zheng, what you say is nonsense; after all, you are…"

Hearing this, Zheng Guanyin did not relax; instead she became more vigilant.

As the saying goes, no one ascends the Three Treasures Hall without a reason; Chen Yan not only ascended it, but also came up to tell her about the Crown Prince's poisoning—a matter obviously private.

Even if she isn't suspected, there must be no good news!

Sure enough, the next sentence Chen Yan uttered almost erased the composure she had cultivated over the years.

"I heard Tang'er say that Madam Zheng has extensive connections and can accomplish many things in Chang'an City that others wouldn't dare imagine, so… I would like to ask Madam Zheng for assistance in finding out who poisoned the Crown Prince!"

Zheng Guanyin was almost laughing in anger.

Having me help investigate who poisoned the Crown Prince?

Putting aside her grudge with Li Shimin, just consider that last time your lady came up and pointed at my nose, calling me a scoundrel, and you asked me to help you?

She hadn't even voiced a refusal before she sensed the hidden meaning in Chen Yan's words.

"In Chang'an City one can accomplish many things others wouldn't dare imagine…"

Reflecting carefully on that sentence, Zheng Guanyin fell silent.

"Are you threatening me?"

Chen Yan shook his head slowly, "It's not a threat; it's just that you were safe because of Empress Changsun, and now she and her child have fallen victim to a poisonous attack. If you extend a hand and help, it would make a fine tale."

Mentioning Empress Changsun's name, Zheng Guanyin fell silent again.

She clearly understood what Chen Yan was referring to; the last time she vented her anger, she had the gravely ill Du Ruhui, who had not yet recovered, thrown into prison, and it would have been impossible for Li Shimin not to react.

But up to now there has still been no movement; most likely Empress Changsun has made a personal appeal.

Of course, the reason Zheng Guanyin dared to do so is that she also grasped the thoughts and temperaments of Li Shimin and Empress Changsun as a couple, as well as their concerns.

Inside the hall, after a long silence, Chen Yan sipped his tea by himself, unhurried.

Gao Yang clicked his tongue in amazement, asking Zheng Guanyin to help investigate the case, as if Chen Yan could have thought of it.

After a while, Zheng Guanyin suddenly asked a question, "I'm really curious: why did you think of coming to me for help in finding the poisoner? And why do you assume I would certainly agree?"

"......"