Chapter 188: Jiang Xiaoyu Has Gone Missing

Bei Ye furrowed his brows, somewhat not understanding Wang Shouren's meaning.

In his view, as long as they killed the Empress, Wang Shouren could smoothly usurp the throne; then wouldn't Great Qian be at their mercy?

Bei Ye, sir, you came all the way from overseas, yet you still don't understand the court situation of Great Qian.

Wang Shouren held his wine cup, walked over to Bei Ye's side, and patted his shoulder.

Although the Empress is young, there are still many people loyal to her in the court.

If she were to suddenly die now, it would inevitably arouse suspicion.

By then, if investigated, we wouldn't be able to escape responsibility.

Especially that old traitor, the Grand Marshal, who opposes me at every turn.

Wang Shouren suddenly exerted force and crushed the wine cup.

What the Chancellor means is...

Let her live for now; once we control the entire court, then let her die 'naturally'.

Wang Shouren smiled sinisterly, his eyes full of calculation: 'By then, even if someone suspects, they won't find any evidence.'

Bei Ye pondered for a moment, feeling that Wang Shouren's words also made sense.

His purpose in this trip, besides helping Wang Shouren usurp the throne, was more importantly to obtain benefits for Japan.

If, due to undue haste, they exposed their plan, it would be a loss not worth the gain.

All right, then as the Chancellor says. Bei Ye nodded.

Then next, how should we steady Jiang Xiaomu?

A flash of cunning passed through Wang Shouren's eyes.

Don't worry, I have my own way.

Jiang Xiaomu stood in the center of the Imperial Study, holding a silver spoon in his hands.

The bottom of the spoon was coated with a layer of black powder not easily discernible, reflecting a faint light in the sunlight.

The Empress frowned slightly, taking the spoon and examining it carefully.

Is this what you called... poison?

I dare not speak rashly." Jiang Xiaomu said, clasping his hands.

Although this thing is trivial, it emits a strange fragrance; I worry...

Summon the Imperial Physician!

At the Empress's order, the Imperial Physician, his beard and hair all white, hurried over.

Trembling, he took the spoon, brought it to his nose to sniff, then tried it with a silver needle.

After a moment, the Imperial Physician wiped the sweat from his forehead and said shakily:

Your Majesty, old servant... old servant finds nothing unusual.

The Empress's face darkened, and the atmosphere in the Imperial Study instantly grew solemn.

Jiang Xiaomu lowered his eyes, silent, but his heart churned tumultuously.

What connection could there be between the black-clad person's strange behavior last night and this mysterious black powder on the spoon?

Beloved official Jiang Xiaomu, this matter is entrusted to you for full investigation.

The Empress rubbed her forehead, wearily saying:

You must get to the bottom of this.

I will obey your order.

Jiang Xiaomu accepted the order, yet did not mention last night's assassination attempt.

He faintly felt that the ninja might not have been targeting him.

If he were to report it rashly now, it might instead scare the snake.

As he was pondering, Wang Shouren strode in with his usual hypocritical smile.

Your humble servant pays his respects to Your Majesty.

The Chancellor arrives just in time." The Empress handed the spoon in her hand to Wang Shouren.

Beloved official Jiang Xiaomu found something suspicious in the Imperial Kitchen; take a look.

Wang Shouren took the spoon, pretended to be surprised as he examined it, then immediately laughed

saying:

Your Majesty worries too much; this is merely ordinary spice residue." "It must be that the kitchen staff accidentally got some on it.

Jiang Xiaomu coldly snorted inside, this old fox really puts on a convincing act.

He observed Wang Shouren's expression without changing his own, trying to find a hint of a flaw.

Really?" the Empress said half-believing, half-doubting.

But I smell a strange fragrance...

Your Majesty, burdened with myriad affairs, perhaps overworked, causing a deviation in your sense of smell.

Wang Shouren explained calmly:

Your humble servant will order a thorough investigation of the Imperial Kitchen to ensure nothing is amiss.

That would be excellent.

The Empress nodded, seeming to accept Wang Shouren's explanation.

Jiang Xiaomu secretly sighed, Wang Shouren truly is an old sly fox, resolving the matter with just a few casual words.

It seems, wanting to topple this old villain is no easy feat.

Beloved official Jiang Xiaomu, since this matter is no longer serious, you may withdraw.

The Empress waved her hand, indicating for Jiang Xiaomu to leave.

Jiang Xiaomu performed a salute and took his leave, but in his mind he was calculating how to proceed next.

After leaving the imperial study, Jiang Xiaomu directly returned to his own residence.

He pushed open the room door, but found the interior in utter disorder, tables and chairs overturned, clothing scattered all over the floor, as if someone had rummaged through.

Jiang Xiaomu's heart skipped a beat, a chill rose from the soles of his feet straight to the top of his head.

He immediately realized that someone had sneaked into his room during his absence!

He quickly drew the sword at his waist, vigilantly scanning his surroundings.

The room was empty, only the tree shadows outside the window swayed, making a rustling sound.

Jiang Xiaomu walked to the desk, found that the things inside the drawer were in a mess, but the 《Five Poisons Secret Manual》 he had hidden in the secret compartment was intact.

This indicates that the intruder was not an ordinary bandit, but had another motive!

Could it be that Wang Shouren sent people to search for evidence? Or that the Eastern Sea ninja came again?

Jiang Xiaomu's mind was full of doubts, he had already been drawn into a huge conspiracy.

A slight mistake could lead to eternal doom!

He took a deep breath, forced himself to calm down.

Now the most important thing is to figure out the opponent's purpose, and who exactly sent them.

Jiang Xiaomu's gaze swept over the messy room, finally landing on the familiar treasure sword on the table—the Golden Snake Sword.

The sword sheath was inlaid with fine turquoise, flashing a cold light in the dim light.

This is the protective item he gave to his sister Jiang Xiaoyu; she never parts with it.

A chill rose from Jiang Xiaomu's spine. Xiao Yu has gone missing.

He took a deep breath, striving to calm himself.

Panic is useless; he must quickly find his sister.

He carefully wrapped the medicine spoon stained with black powder, then took out a sheet of paper and wrote fluently.

"Ye Ying, quickly investigate this item, or it may be related to Xiao Yu's disappearance."

The note was written very briefly; he rolled up the paper, stuffed it into a small bamboo tube, then walked to the window and blew a low whistle.

Shortly after, a wholly black nightingale flew from the night and lightly landed on his hand.

He tied the bamboo tube to the nightingale's leg, gently stroked its feathers, and softly said: "Go."

The nightingale flapped its wings into the night sky and soon disappeared.

Jiang Xiaomu turned and strode out of the room.

He wants to go to the city gate to ask, see if anyone saw Xiao Yu leaving the city.

The city gate guards are former comrades who fought alongside him to pacify Bincheng; seeing him, they naturally are respectful.

However, when Jiang Xiaomu asked whether they had seen a girl dressed in green clothes, holding the Golden Snake Sword, the guards all shook their heads, saying they had no impression.

"Sir, today few people left the city; we remember clearly, and did not see the lady you mentioned."

Jiang Xiaomu's heart sank; if Xiao Yu did not leave the city, where could she be?

Could it be... she also met with misfortune?