The Eldest Daughter Returns with Power

Gongsun Lin slowly returned to the Duke of Jingguo's residence. A heavy weight pressed on his heart, making him feel incredibly oppressed. He didn't go to discuss the matter with his uncle today, but instead planned to organize his thoughts first, and then discuss it in detail with his uncle the next morning after he returned from court.

So he went straight to his study, intending to organize all the information he had gathered that day in order to be fully prepared for the subsequent discussions and plans.

Inside the study, the candlelight flickered gently as Gongsun Lin hunched over his desk, writing furiously. He first meticulously recorded the distinctive features of the unfamiliar faces, their movements, and their potential contacts. Then, he delved into the clues from the weapons shop, attempting to uncover a connection between the two. As the night deepened, the study's light became the brightest in the entire mansion, and Gongsun Lin's figure was gradually lengthened by this bright glow, appearing exceptionally resolute and determined.

"Young Master, the Heir Apparent is here," Yin Feng said softly outside the study door.

"Lin'er, are you still reading so late?" Gongsun You said as he quickly arrived at the door.

Gongsun Lin hurriedly stood up and rushed to greet him, "Brother, come in quickly." Gongsun You entered the study, his gaze falling on the pile of papers on the table, and he couldn't help but frown slightly, "Brother Lin, please don't overwork yourself. What is it that is making you so troubled?"

Gongsun Lin then briefly recounted the day's events to Gongsun You. Upon hearing this, Gongsun You's expression instantly turned serious. "This matter is no small thing; it requires careful consideration." The two brothers sat down together and began to study the records meticulously. The night grew deeper, but the discussions in the study never ceased.

The next morning, the warm sunlight streamed through the cracks in the window, gently illuminating the slightly tired yet incredibly determined faces of Gongsun Lin and Gongsun You. The two hadn't slept a wink, but they had managed to piece together some key clues. Gongsun Lin rubbed his sore eyes and slowly said, "Brother, this matter is no small thing. We need to investigate further carefully. We absolutely cannot act rashly." Gongsun You nodded solemnly. "Indeed, we must proceed with extreme caution to avoid inadvertently alerting the enemy."

Just then, a servant rushed in to report that the Duke of Jingguo had returned home from court. Upon hearing this, Gongsun Lin and Gongsun You exchanged a quick glance, then hurried to the main hall. Upon seeing the Duke of Jingguo, Gongsun Lin and Gongsun You respectfully greeted him as "Father" and "Uncle." "Father, Lin'er and I have something to discuss with you. Let's go to the study," Gongsun You said, looking firmly at the Duke of Jingguo.

Duke Jingguo nodded slightly, then led the way towards the study. After the three entered, Gongsun You and Gongsun Lin recounted their discoveries and speculations from the past two days to Duke Jingguo in detail. Duke Jingguo listened, then fell into deep thought for a moment before saying, "This matter is extremely important, and its implications are likely far-reaching. Lin'er, You'er, you must remember not to act rashly."

Gongsun Lin quickly replied, "Uncle, rest assured, we will be extremely cautious." Gongsun You continued, "Father, based on the clues we have so far, this matter seems to be intricately linked to certain forces in the court." The Duke of Jingguo's expression was extremely grave: "No matter who is involved, you must investigate thoroughly, but you must also always be mindful of your own safety." The two brothers replied in unison, "Yes, Father (Uncle)."

"Uncle, my brother, the Crown Prince, asked me to go to the Dali Temple and the Ministry of Justice today to discuss and exchange information. When I meet with them, do you think I should..." Gongsun Lin looked at the Duke of Jingguo with anticipation.

"Lin'er, when you go, listen and observe more, and speak less. Understand?" Duke Jingguo said to Gongsun Lin with a serious expression.

Gongsun Lin nodded solemnly, "Nephew understands." After making some preparations, Gongsun Lin set off for Dali Temple. Along the way, he repeatedly pondered the Duke of Jingguo's instructions, knowing full well the great responsibility he bore on this trip.

When he arrived at the Dali Temple, the officials from the Ministry of Justice were already waiting there. They exchanged warm greetings and then began sharing the clues they possessed. Gongsun Lin, remembering the Duke of Jingguo's words, sat quietly to the side, listening intently to everyone's accounts. His gaze remained unwavering, his focus unwavering, not missing a single crucial detail.

As the discussion deepened, various clues gradually intertwined, constructing an increasingly complex picture. After in-depth discussions, everyone finally reached a consensus: to split into two groups. One group would continue to investigate the background and origins of the weapons shop more thoroughly, while the other group would secretly and closely monitor the unfamiliar faces and officials suspected of having connections, doing everything possible to find a breakthrough in the case as quickly as possible.

Meanwhile, the Crown Prince, residing in the Eastern Palace, was far from idle. He not only continued reviewing secret reports and closely monitoring the case's progress, but also strengthened his own security measures and personally reported the situation to his father, the Emperor. Upon hearing this, the Emperor was furious and immediately ordered a greater investigation to uncover the mastermind behind the crime and punish them severely without leniency.

Gongsun Lin gradually began to have some new ideas and thoughts. After the discussion ended, Gongsun Lin bid farewell to everyone and hurried back to the Duke of Jingguo's mansion. He was eager to share what he had seen and heard at the Dali Temple and the Ministry of Justice with his uncle and elder brother and hear their opinions and views.

After returning to his residence, Gongsun Lin reported the results of the discussions held at the Dali Temple and the Ministry of Justice to Duke Jingguo and Gongsun You in detail. After pondering for a moment, Duke Jingguo said, "It seems that the current situation is becoming increasingly complicated. We must be extra careful. Lin'er, you must continue to maintain close contact with them in the next few days and keep abreast of the latest developments in the case."

Gongsun You nodded in agreement and reminded him, "Lin'er, you must be careful in your words and actions when dealing with various forces, and never reveal too much information." Gongsun Lin replied, "Understood. In addition, I think we need to start from other aspects to find more clues. Perhaps we can send people to secretly investigate those who have dealings with the weapons shop, or search within the court for possible informants."

A hint of appreciation flashed in the Duke of Jingguo's eyes: "This is an excellent idea. But remember, the operation must be carried out discreetly to avoid unnecessary trouble." Gongsun Lin replied confidently and with a clear mind, "Don't worry, Uncle. I will be careful." Afterwards, they discussed some specific plans and arrangements together. Gongsun Lin felt his thoughts gradually becoming clearer and more organized.

After leaving the main hall, Gongsun Lin immediately began arranging for people to conduct an investigation. He selected a group of shrewd and capable confidants to work separately.

One team was responsible for secretly investigating people who had dealings with the weapons shop, while the other team focused on finding possible informants within the imperial court.

…………

In the study of Prince Yuan's mansion, the Third Prince glared angrily at the people before him, throwing a cup at one of them. Su Yun would have recognized him immediately as her beloved elder brother, Su Wenhan. "Useless! You can't even handle this small matter. What use are you to me!" The Third Prince's roar echoed throughout the study.

Su Wenhan lowered his head and remained silent. He knew that he had failed in his mission and disappointed the Third Prince.

"Your Highness, please calm down. We will definitely handle this matter properly." The others knelt down and begged for mercy.

The Third Prince took a deep breath and tried to calm himself down.

"Fine, I'll give you one more chance. If you still can't give me a satisfactory explanation, don't blame me for being ruthless." With that, the Third Prince waved his hand, dismissing them.

After everyone left, the Third Prince leaned wearily against his chair, pondering to himself, "This attempt to assassinate the Crown Prince in cooperation with the Shadow Cult has failed at the last minute, and so many traces have been left behind."