Exile at the start? The princess is no ordinary woman.

The prince twirled the teacup in his hand, remaining completely still and revealing nothing to anyone.

Speaking of Gu, this was also something Gu Nanzhi did intentionally. After all, the thing on Jun Yanchen's body originated from one of these people.

Since His Highness the Crown Prince has voluntarily changed the subject...

He then used this identity to test the waters, but yesterday at the mansion, being the seventh child, he had no opportunity.

"Since Your Highness is curious, and since we're waiting for the pastries anyway, I'll tell you about the secret arts of the Southern Frontier. These are unique skills of the Southern Frontier..."

To test the waters, Gu Nanzhi spoke with the Crown Prince about matters concerning the Southern Frontier, mainly concerning priests and shamans.

Although she had never been to the Southern Frontier, so many years had passed since she started worrying about the Gu poison in Jun Yanchen's body.

Through Jun Yanchen's intelligence network, they had a general understanding of the situation in Southern Xinjiang, a fairly complete picture, plus their own research on Gu.

He spoke with great authority and eloquence.

"...So this is the secret technique of the Southern Frontier, but nowadays only a very few people in the Southern Frontier can control Gu worms..."

As Gu Nanzhi spoke, she kept a close, unobtrusive eye on the Crown Prince's reactions, scrutinizing even the slightest movements and expressions.

I tried to find a breakthrough in his expression.

The Crown Prince did not disappoint Gu Nanzhi. When he heard about Gu worms and Gu poison, his composed expression still betrayed a hint of information.

Although she didn't know how much this person knew, or whether those Gu poisons were related to His Highness the Crown Prince, Gu Nanzhi was certain of one thing: His Highness the Crown Prince had definitely heard of Gu poisons before.

"I see. Poison Doctor Young Master is indeed well-versed in the ways of the world, and his knowledge is extensive. I truly admire him."

Now that she had already put her feet up, Gu Nanzhi decided not to hide anything and prepared to expose the Crown Prince's disguise.

"Your Highness is too kind. It seems we should admire Your Highness's talent. Your Highness is confined to the capital, but judging from your reaction, this is not the first time you've heard of this secret technique. It seems Your Highness is surrounded by many capable and extraordinary individuals..."

Gu Nanzhi's statement was somewhat rash.

Indeed, as soon as she finished speaking, the Crown Prince's gaze towards her turned colder.

Those who can remain so calm and composed are truly not to be underestimated...

This person is truly interesting.

"I do have some capable people around me, but if I can gain the favor of the Poison Doctor, he will definitely have a place under my command..."

If what happened just now was a test, then His Highness the Crown Prince is now truly trying to win over the Poison Doctor.

"As for the Gu poison that the Poison Doctor mentioned, I had heard about it before, but I have never witnessed its power."

I never imagined that my Imperial Uncle would be poisoned by this. It's truly hateful. Back then, it was my Imperial Uncle who fought and bled on the battlefield to protect the peace of our Great Zhou's borders.

However, he suddenly contracted a serious illness after the great victory, and ultimately no one could cure him, leaving him with a disabled body, which is truly a pity.

"Fortunately, we have now encountered such a brilliant and talented physician as the Poison Doctor Young Master, who should be able to cure the Imperial Uncle's incurable illness..."

Indeed, those involved in the struggle for the throne are all, unless they are exceptionally foolish, simple-minded people.

At this moment, Gu Nanzhi really couldn't see through this Crown Prince.

And who is the person from the Dark Tower who appeared in the Earth-class private room connected with?

All things considered, it has been six or seven years since Jun Yanchen was poisoned by the Gu.

Six or seven years ago, who was the biggest enemy, and who would be most wary of the renowned meritorious officials of the Great Zhou Dynasty?

Back then, these princes probably didn't have the strength they have now. Could their ambitions have expanded to the point where they would bypass others and directly reach out to Jun Yanchen?

Being deep within the palace, everyone was probably focused on self-preservation and striving for advancement...

Thinking about it this way, could it have come from that person?

Everyone is a suspect, anyone who fears Jun Yanchen, including those who are lurking enemies...

It's impossible to analyze for the moment who their biggest enemy is; there are too many mysteries waiting for them to uncover.

Very well, let's take it one step at a time. They're going to stir up this mess in the capital even more, and then the facade of calm won't be able to hide anymore.

The filth hiding in the mud below should all be revealed.

--------

Finally, the person sent by His Highness the Crown Prince to buy pastries returned, and the pastries were still fresh out of the oven and hot.

What needed to be said has been said, what needed to be dealt with has been dealt with, and what needed to be tested has been tested.

Gu Nanzhi didn't linger any longer and got up to take her leave.

His Highness the Crown Prince maintained his outwardly amiable demeanor, presenting pastries to Gu Nanzhi. Not only that, he even accompanied Gu Nanzhi out of the private room, downstairs, and out of the teahouse together.

Even after saying goodbye, he watched Gu Nanzhi get into the carriage with a warm expression.

"Farewell"

Once inside the carriage, Gu Nanzhi glanced at the pastries in her hand and simply handed them to Bian Chen.

"Give me a piece of pastry, it's quite delicious."

Bian Chen looked at the pastry placed in his hand, and his lips twitched.

"You actually have the appetite?"

This person is so carefree! He was downstairs the whole time, never letting his guard down, afraid something might go wrong. But she, on the other hand, just chatted with the He family for so long and that was it.

In the end, they even accepted the pastries from the other party.

If Bian Chen wasn't mistaken, these pastries were probably specially ordered by His Highness the Crown Prince; they were fresh out of the oven and still hot.

What was this person talking about that prompted the Crown Prince to thoughtfully buy freshly baked pastries and personally deliver them to the door, watching them get into their carriage...?

Seeing his expression, Gu Nanzhi couldn't help but smile and took the pastries back.

"No, I just tried it upstairs, and it was really delicious. If you don't want it, I'll save it and take it back for Huaiqing to try."

Bian Chen's lips twitched even more violently. He snatched the pastry back, opened it in front of Gu Nanzhi, picked up a piece, and took a bite.

Judging from his posture, someone who didn't know better would think he was biting his enemy, not a pastry.

"You seem to have it all easy, drinking tea and enjoying pastries, with even His Highness the Crown Prince personally keeping you company. The Poison Doctor is certainly well-connected."

It seems I, a mere apprentice medicine boy, have worried unnecessarily..."

"Pfft........"

Gu Nanzhi couldn't help but burst out laughing. Look at that sarcastic tone! This is hardly the behavior of a young medicine apprentice...