A Shocking Dream

"I don't know what secrets lie within. I just think of it as a simple scroll," Qin Rongchen replied, haggard. He stood there, slightly hunched, his face weary. For days, he had been driven mad by the search for the lost scroll. He seemed enveloped in a haze, his eyes filled with anxiety and confusion.

His eyes wandered, as if he was still immersed in the shock and regret of the lost scroll. In the past few days, he had been running around and had no time to investigate Yunshuang's fake death.

A depressing atmosphere hung heavy in the air of Hanmei Villa. Qin Rongchen tilted his head slightly, watching the clouds drift across the sky, a sense of powerlessness welling up within him. He didn't know why the scroll had been stolen, nor what secrets lay hidden within it. But he knew this was no accident; there must be a deeper reason. He bit his lip, silently resolving that, no matter the cost, he would recover the scroll and solve this mystery.

"The matter of the scroll was brought up when Yunshuang died. Logically, the news wouldn't spread so quickly outside. Moreover, the person who stole the painting knew that the scroll was with you, so he must be an acquaintance." Su Yijing analyzed calmly, with a wise glint in his eyes.

He frowned slightly and paced back and forth in the courtyard. "Brother Rongchen, think carefully, has there been anything unusual recently? Or has anyone else been behaving suspiciously?" Su Yijing turned to look at Qin Rongchen, hoping to get some clues from him.

Qin Rongchen was still immersed in exhaustion and anxiety, but after hearing Su Yijing's analysis, he began to recall. "I really can't think of anything unusual... I've been so restless recently because of Yunshuang's situation that I didn't notice the changes around me at all." He shook his head helplessly, a pained expression on his face.

Su Yijing sighed softly and continued, "This matter is of great importance. We must find clues as soon as possible. Since it was committed by an acquaintance, we should start by investigating the people around him. Let's see who came to Hanmei Villa before and after Yunshuang's accident, and who showed special interest in the scroll."

The atmosphere at Hanmei Villa grew increasingly tense. Su Yijing and Qin Rongchen both knew they had to solve the mystery of the missing scroll as soon as possible, or the consequences would be disastrous.

When Qin Ruoyu entered Ninghua Palace, Kou Jing, Kou Lanzhi, and Kou Yurou were all present. The atmosphere in the palace was slightly awkward. Qin Ruoyu's gaze slowly swept over the crowd, silently pondering the situation.

"Your Highness, the Crown Prince, greets you." Kou Yurou stood up and saluted, her voice soft and gentle. She lowered her head slightly, her eyes filled with shyness and respect.

"I pay my respects to the Empress Dowager and the Empress Dowager." Qin Ruoyu saluted, his posture upright and his manners graceful. His eyes swept over everyone in turn, with a look of respect in them.

"Yu'er, come closer. How come you've lost weight in a few months?" Kou Jing was a little worried. She frowned slightly, her eyes full of concern. She stretched out her hand and gently beckoned Qin Ruoyu to come closer.

Qin Ruoyu stepped forward as instructed, bowing his head slightly. "I'm sorry to have worried my grandmother and mother. I've been traveling so much, and I'm probably a little tired, so I've lost some weight." His voice was steady, with a hint of apology.

Kou Jing sighed softly and reached out to stroke Qin Ruoyu's cheek. "You must take care of yourself and avoid overexerting yourself. You are the Crown Prince, shouldering the responsibilities of the nation, and you must take good care of yourself. You must understand that your health doesn't just belong to you; it also affects the future of the entire nation. Act prudently, make wise decisions, and avoid impulsive behavior."

Qin Ruoyu felt a warm feeling in his heart and nodded slightly. "I understand, Grandmother, don't worry." His eyes showed his emotion, and he felt the love of his family.

"Your Royal Grandmother and I are not the only ones who are worried. Yurou also misses you very much." Kou Lanzhi spoke and gestured to Qin Ruoyu to look at Kou Yurou.

Qin Ruoyu turned his head slightly, his eyes falling on Kou Yurou. Kou Yurou's cheeks were slightly red, and her eyes were filled with shyness and tenderness. She lowered her head slightly, not daring to meet Qin Ruoyu's gaze.

Qin Ruoyu's heart moved, but he didn't know how to respond. He coughed lightly and said, "Thank you, Yurou, for your concern." His voice was calm, but with a subtle warmth.

Kou Lanzhi chuckled, "Yu'er, Sister Yurou has been looking forward to your return. She often asks us about you, and her concern for you is beyond words." There was a hint of sarcasm in her words, which made the atmosphere a little more relaxed.

Kou Yurou became even more shy. She stamped her feet lightly and said angrily, "Aunt, don't talk nonsense." But her eyes were always secretly looking at Qin Ruoyu, full of expectation.

Yuanyuan had been to the Liu Mansion once before, so she was somewhat familiar with the place. As she stood before the vermilion gate, a complex mix of emotions welled up in her heart. The mansion, bathed in sunlight, appeared solemn and tranquil, as if hiding countless stories.

Yuanyuan walked over and knocked on the door. "You're coming!" a voice came from behind the door, its voice carrying a familiar warmth. As the footsteps approached, the door slowly opened, revealing a kind face.

"Miss, you are..." The servant who opened the door looked at Yuanyuan with confusion in his eyes.

Yuanyuan smiled slightly, "I am Yuanyuan, and I have been to your house before." Her voice was clear and pleasant, like an oriole in spring.

The servant suddenly realized, "It's Miss Yuanyuan. The old lady has been waiting for you for a long time. Please come in." He stepped aside and respectfully invited Yuanyuan into the mansion.

Yuanyuan walked into the Liu Mansion with light steps. The flowers and plants in the courtyard were still lush and fragrant. She looked around, recalling the scene of her last visit here, her heart full of anticipation.

"Old lady, you have been wondering early in the morning why Miss Yuanyuan hasn't come yet." The servant said with a smile, his tone full of kindness.

Yuanyuan felt a surge of warmth in her heart when she heard this. She blushed slightly and said a little sheepishly, "Thank you for your concern, Madam. I just came here when I had some free time."

At this moment, the old lady of the Liu Mansion slowly approached, supported by her maid. Her face was full of smiles, and her eyes were filled with love. "Yuanyuan, I've been waiting for you. Come quickly, let me take a good look at you."

Yuanyuan hurried forward and bowed slightly. "I hope the old lady is well."

The old lady took Yuanyuan's hand and patted it gently. "Good girl, have you been okay recently?"

Yuanyuan nodded and said, "Thank you for your concern, Madam. Everything is fine."

The old lady frowned slightly. "Is everything really okay? Ever since I heard about your arrival, I've been thinking about you. It must be difficult for you, a child, to be out there all alone. If you have any difficulties, please tell me. Although the Liu Mansion is not a wealthy family, we can still help you with some small things."

Yuanyuan was deeply touched. "Old Madam, I appreciate your kindness. I'm really doing fine. It's just that I've been a little busy recently and haven't been able to come visit you in time. I hope you won't blame me."