The Eldest Daughter Returns with Power

Chapter 154 The Mysterious Family

Just then, Shadow Seven's ghostly figure quietly appeared at the study door.

She bowed respectfully and said, "Miss, Mr. Zhuang has arrived."

As soon as he finished speaking, a series of light and steady footsteps approached from afar, and Zhuang Yichen slowly walked into the study with unhurried steps.

Zhuang Yichen was dressed in a moon-white robe today, the sleeves of which swayed gently in the wind, making him look like an immortal descending to earth.

His tall, slender figure was accentuated by the long robe, making him appear even more upright and exuding an extraordinary aura. Looking at his face, with his sharp eyebrows, bright eyes, high nose bridge, and slightly thin lips, he possessed a refined and scholarly air that captivated all who beheld him.

However, at this moment, his usually gentle and refined face was solemn, as if he had something important on his mind.

"Yichen, you've finally arrived." Tang Yuluo, who had been sitting at her desk, immediately stood up to greet Zhuang Yichen as he entered, her face beaming with joy. Gongsun Ruotang, who was standing nearby, also dared not be negligent and quickly stood up as well, curtsied to Zhuang Yichen, and softly called out, "Grandmaster."

Zhuang Yichen nodded slightly in response to their greetings.

Then, his deep, pool-like eyes fell directly on the exquisite lacquer box on the desk and the swaddling clothes containing the infant next to it.

When he saw what was in front of him clearly, his expression instantly turned serious, and a hint of surprise and doubt flashed in his eyes.

Then, he raised his head and looked at Gongsun Ruotang, asking in a deep voice, "Is this the reason you came to find me?"

Gongsun Ruotang took a deep breath, composed herself, and then recounted to Zhuang Yichen the entire process of discovering the swaddling clothes, including the environment and surrounding circumstances at the time, in great detail.

Not only that, she also told Zhuang Yichen without reservation the important information, such as the piece of silk she had obtained from the Miao holy maiden and the last words left on it.

After listening, Zhuang Yichen fell into deep thought. After a long while, he slowly spoke: "This twin lotus pattern is not an ordinary embroidery pattern. In some ancient records, it was once the emblem of a mysterious family, and this family is said to have a very deep connection with Miao territory."

"A mysterious family?" Gongsun Ruotang and Tang Yulu exchanged a glance, their eyes filled with doubt.

Zhuang Yichen continued, "It is rumored that this family guards a mysterious treasure in Miao territory, a treasure closely related to the fate of Miao. The underground palace altar is likely the key to unlocking the treasure. However, all of this is just a legend, and no one has ever confirmed it."

"Then why did this swaddling clothes end up in the dry well of the Cold Palace?" Gongsun Ruotang pressed.

Zhuang Yichen frowned, pondered for a moment, and said, "Perhaps something happened back then that forced this family to hide their infant child in the palace to ensure their safety. And this cold palace and dry well, though seemingly remote, may actually be a carefully chosen hiding place."

Tang Yulu looked worried: "In that case, this matter is becoming more and more complicated. If the Empress Dowager is really related to this mysterious family, and Ruo'er is very likely the continuation of the bloodline, then the matter of the Blood Bead Resonance and the Underground Palace Altar will probably bring her great danger."

Zhuang Yichen nodded slightly in agreement, saying, "Yes, that's very true. The most urgent matter at present is to find the exact location of the underground palace altar and to investigate the true reason behind the Miao Jiang Holy Maiden's last words about 'quickly destroying the altar'."

Gongsun Ruotang's eyes were filled with unwavering determination as she clenched her fists and said, "Master, Grandmaster, please rest assured! No matter how rugged and thorny the road ahead may be, I will thoroughly investigate the mystery of my origins. I will never allow the dark hand hiding behind the scenes to succeed in its conspiracy!"

Zhuang Yichen gently patted Gongsun Ruotang's shoulder and earnestly and meaningfully instructed her, "Ruotang, your grandmaster and master will do everything they can to help you."

However, this matter is of utmost importance, and we must proceed with extreme caution in every step. The slightest oversight could lead to utter ruin.

At this moment, the three of them sat around the simple and unadorned table. The candlelight in the room flickered gently in the breeze, illuminating their solemn faces.

On this quiet night, a thrilling and exciting adventure is quietly unfolding.

The study was quiet, with only the soft sound of breathing flowing slowly in the air.

Zhuang Yichen sat upright at his desk, his gaze fixed on Gongsun Ruotang before him. After a moment of silence, he finally broke the stillness: "Ruo'er, regarding this matter, I heard that your uncle, the Emperor, has taken action and imprisoned the Third Prince. At this time, it is really not appropriate to launch a large-scale investigation into this matter. You should focus more on the matter of the Empress Dowager and the Empress being poisoned."

Gongsun Ruotang stood quietly to the side. After listening to her master's words, her previously chaotic thoughts instantly became clear.

She nodded slightly, indicating that she understood her master's meaning, and then replied softly, "Master, I understand. Tomorrow, after my cousin the Crown Prince finishes dealing with my uncle the Emperor's busy political affairs, I will go to him to discuss how to investigate and collect evidence regarding the poisoning of the Empress Dowager and the Empress."

Just then, Tang Yuluo, who had been sitting silently to the side, suddenly slapped her forehead and said with a sudden realization, "Oh dear! Ruo'er, how come I didn't think of this before? Your grandmaster is right. At this moment, the most important and urgent thing is to find out the truth about the poisoning of the Empress Dowager and the Empress as soon as possible."