Chapter 396 - 375: First Update
Prince Duan went to sleep past midnight, and as half of the lights in Prince Duan’s Mansion were extinguished, several shadows stealthily approached the mansion’s most exquisite courtyard. This was not the main courtyard; given that Prince Duan’s Mansion was originally a residence from the previous dynasty, Prince Duan, a man of simplicity, occupied what should have been the favored concubine’s quarters of the former estate—every piece of foliage, every carving there was far more exquisite than elsewhere.
However, since it was situated too far from the main residence and with the passage of time, those precious trees had become increasingly somber. Prince Duan maintained the place originally for Zheng Nianru, but upon return, he found it too distant and, after a consult with a mage who proclaimed it unsuitable for the Commandery Princess’s fate, he decided against moving there.
Zheng Congyuan was resting there at that moment. Qi Jin, Qi Yu, along with the swiftly arrived Qi Ling, and Qi Zhu efficiently organized everything; after all, the Crown Prince’s belongings were always simple, favoring no frills.
Because Master Yu Sheng had provided an elixir, not for ingestion but for medicinal bathing, and after Zheng Congyuan took one, his condition improved significantly. The medicinal bath was also meant to expel external malevolent energies, therefore, Qi Ling and Qi Zhu relieved Qi Jin and Qi Yu, instructing them to rest while they guarded outside the room.
The peace of Prince Duan’s Mansion was disturbed at this late hour. Master Yu Sheng suggested staying because Lord Ju Nanyi’s condition was severe, not to be delayed, and because Heir Zong’s illness was recurring, having been afflicted by evil spirits for too long, necessitating thorough treatment, and the Zong Sheng Residence’s guards had already sent for him twice.
Qi Ling, though not having witnessed the daytime events in person, felt lingering fear simply from the brief description from Qi Jin and Qi Yu.
As for the conclusive opinion on the matter, the Master of Ghoul Ravine personally arrived with the intent to seek out Master Yin He, formerly at the Second Prince’s side. Master Yin He was quite unique, courted both by Qiandao Temple and Ghoul Ravine.
To these affairs, Qi Ling paid little heed. Ghoul Ravine was a remote and harsh location anyhow. Master Yu Sheng told him that after Master Yin He’s amnesia, his abilities were significantly reduced, and even with any ulterior motives, there was nothing to fear with Qiandao Temple there.
What Qi Ling couldn’t fathom, though, was why Master Yin He didn’t choose to leave. This whole affair could have been conducted in secrecy, spiriting the man to Ghoul Ravine, but instead, it turned into a grand, roundabout display. Qi Ling was baffled, uncertain of his master’s thoughts.