Jade of Another World

Lin Ning and Lin Wan gathered the palace maids and eunuchs around Consort Zhao and questioned them in detail again. At first, Consort Zhao's personal maid insisted that her mistress had not left the house that night. However, Lin Ning and Lin Wan, with their keen intuition, sensed that the maid's words were evasive and that she seemed to be deliberately hiding something.

Under relentless questioning from the two women, the maid finally succumbed to the pressure and tearfully confessed, "My ladies, I... I really dare not say it. That night, Consort Xian did indeed go out. She saw Consort Rou's maidservant hurriedly searching for something in the back garden. Finding this strange, she arranged for several people to help search as well, but unexpectedly, she found it before the maidservant. It was a sachet. When you opened it, you found a secret letter inside. After reading it, you threw it back where it was and hurriedly returned to your bedchamber."

Lin Ning and Lin Wan exchanged a glance, a hint of surprise and confusion flashing in their eyes. Lin Wan quickly asked, "After reading the letter, did the Consort Xian have any unusual reaction? Did she say anything?"

The maid recalled for a moment and said, "When the mistress returned, her face was deathly pale, as if she had been greatly frightened. I asked her what was wrong, but she didn't say anything. She just told me not to make a fuss and went to bed early. The next day, she disappeared."

Lin Ning pondered for a moment and asked, "Are you sure you saw clearly that it was Consort Rou's maid? What are the characteristics of that maid?"

The maid nodded and said, "It's definitely Consort Rou's maid. She was wearing a pink dress with a small yellow flower embroidered on the cuff, which was very eye-catching. Also, she walks with a limp, a condition she developed in childhood, so I recognized her at a glance."

Lin Wan frowned and analyzed, "Sister, it seems that the contents of this secret letter are not simple. It is very likely that Consort Zhao met with misfortune because she saw the secret letter. Why would Consort Rou's maid search for such a secret letter in the garden, and what does the secret letter say? These are all key questions."

Lin Ning nodded slightly and said, "That's right, we need to find this palace maid first and find out the situation. Wanwan, go and check which palace maids in Consort Rou's palace match this description. I'll arrange for people to search the garden again to see if we can find that secret letter."

The two quickly divided the tasks and began their respective operations. Lin Ning, accompanied by several guards, meticulously searched every corner of the garden, leaving no stone unturned as to any possible hiding place for the secret letter; Lin Wan, meanwhile, went to Consort Rou's palace to discreetly inquire about the whereabouts of palace maids matching the description. As the investigation deepened, they seemed to be gradually uncovering a glimpse of the truth behind this mysterious disappearance, but what awaited them ahead was still shrouded in mystery…

Lin Ning led the guards in a thorough search of the garden, leaving no corner unchecked. They searched every nook and cranny, from the grass and crevices of the artificial hill to the depths of the flowerbeds. However, after a long and arduous effort, they found no trace of the secret letter. She knew in her heart that the letter had most likely been found and taken by Consort Rou's maid.

Meanwhile, Lin Wan made inquiries throughout Consort Rou's palace and indeed learned of a palace maid whose legs swayed slightly when she walked, matching the description given by Consort Zhao's personal maid. However, the frustrating thing was that this maid had been missing for several days. Because she wasn't a core maidservant of Consort Rou and was usually inconspicuous, her disappearance hadn't attracted much attention, and no one knew where she had gone.

Lin Wan told Lin Ning the news, and the two fell into deep thought. Lin Ning frowned and slowly said, "Wanwan, the disappearance of this palace maid is no coincidence. It is very likely closely related to the disappearance of Consort Zhao and the contents of the secret letter. It seems that we should start with Consort Rou and see if we can find more clues."

Lin Wan nodded in agreement: "Sister is right, Consort Rou must know something. But as a concubine, if we ask her directly, she probably won't easily reveal the truth."

Lin Ning pondered for a moment and said, "Let's not alert them yet. I'll try to get an audience with His Majesty and have him subtly inquire about Consort Rou. You, on the other hand, continue to keep an eye on the movements of the other palace maids and eunuchs, and see if you can extract any useful information from them."

Lin Wan replied, "Okay, sister. Let's split up and hopefully solve this mystery as soon as possible."

Therefore, Lin Ning went to the Imperial Study to see Nangong Jin and explained in detail the situation he had uncovered. Upon hearing this, Nangong Jin's expression grew increasingly grave. He knew that if this matter was not handled properly, it could very well cause turmoil in the harem. After a moment of contemplation, Nangong Jin decided to find a suitable opportunity to personally question Consort Rou.

Lin Wan, meanwhile, wandered through various corners of the palace, chatting with different maids and eunuchs, trying to find a breakthrough from their casual remarks. An investigation surrounding the disappearance of Consort Zhao and the mysterious letter unfolded with increasing tension in this seemingly peaceful harem, and the truth seemed to remain hidden behind layers of mystery, waiting for them to uncover it…

Nangong Jin sat upright on his throne, looking solemnly at Consort Rou, Liu Yushu, below him. Consort Rou was dressed in magnificent robes and her makeup was exquisite, yet under Nangong Jin's sharp gaze, she couldn't help but tremble slightly.

"Consort Rou, I summoned you here today to inquire about the disappearance of Consort Zhao. Do you know anything about it?" Nangong Jin's voice was deep and authoritative, echoing in the empty palace.

Consort Rou feigned surprise, widening her eyes, and hurriedly knelt down to pay her respects, saying in a sweet voice, "Your Majesty, I truly had no idea. I only learned of Sister Zhao's disappearance after hearing about it, and I was very worried, but I never imagined that such a thing would happen."

Nangong Jin stared intently at Consort Rou's expression, trying to find a flaw in her demeanor, but Consort Rou's surprise and worry were so natural that he couldn't tell the difference between truth and falsehood for a moment.

"I've heard that there's a palace maid by your side who walks with a limp. A few days ago, she was seen frantically searching for something in the garden. Are you aware of this?" Nangong Jin decided to probe indirectly.

Consort Rou frowned slightly, as if pondering, and then said, "Your Majesty, there are many palace maids in my palace, and I really can't remember such a limping maid. I usually don't pay much attention to these kinds of things."

Nangong Jin pondered to himself. Roufei's answer was airtight, and it was difficult to determine whether she was truly unaware. He softened his tone and said, "Now that Consort Zhao has disappeared, this is no small matter. I will definitely investigate it thoroughly and will not let it go unresolved. Roufei, if you remember anything or discover any clues, please inform me immediately."

Consort Rou quickly kowtowed and said softly, "Your Majesty, rest assured, if I know of any clues, I will inform Your Majesty immediately."

Nangong Jin nodded slightly and said, "Get up. Go back first, and report back immediately if there is any news."

After expressing her gratitude, Consort Rou slowly rose and gracefully withdrew from the palace. After Consort Rou left, Nangong Jin rubbed his temples, feeling increasingly troubled by the matter. Consort Rou's behavior was perplexing, and the disappearance of Consort Zhao remained unsolved. Although he had no feelings for Consort Zhao, he felt guilty towards General Zhao for bringing her into the palace. Consort Zhao was still in the palace during her mourning period, and although she was granted the status of a concubine, there was no formal investiture ceremony, while Liu Yushu was indeed made a concubine. This was quite unfair to Consort Zhao. Now, he was determined to find Consort Zhao as soon as possible, hoping nothing bad had happened to her.

Meanwhile, Lin Wan inquired about the matter throughout the palace, but to no avail. The palace maids and eunuchs seemed reluctant to discuss it further. She knew that to unravel the mystery, she needed to find the key lame palace maid, or find a breakthrough through Consort Rou. At the same time, Lin Ning anxiously awaited the outcome of Nangong Jin's conversation with Consort Rou. They both understood that every second was crucial, as Consort Zhao's life was in imminent danger…

For several days, the investigation stalled, making no progress. Lin Wan's hopes gradually faded, and she became disheartened. She and Lin Ning tried various methods, but still couldn't find any key clues, as if they were trapped in an invisible maze.

That day, Lin Ning and Lin Wan were chatting with the servants in the palace as usual, hoping to find new clues from their conversations. At this moment, a young palace maid inadvertently mentioned something that instantly caught Lin Ning's attention.

The young palace maid said, "Speaking of which, it seems that Consort Rou's menstruation is not very regular. I heard her say before that she asked the people around her to find some remedies to regulate it. Also, that woman who walks with a limp seems to have not originally been a palace maid. She was a maid who was hired from outside to wash the Consort's clothes. I don't know how she later entered the palace and became a palace maid."

Lin Ning was immediately filled with doubt. She glanced at Lin Wan, and the two understood each other perfectly. Lin Wan whispered, "Sister, something seems strange here. A laundry maid suddenly entering the palace as a maid, and the fact that Consort Rou's menstrual irregularities are such a private matter—could it be related to her disappearance?" Lin Ning nodded slightly, pondered for a moment, and then said, "Wanwan, this could very well be an important clue. Consort Rou's irregular menstruation might just be a pretext, and the reason this lame laundry maid entered the palace is very likely related to Consort Zhao's disappearance and that secret letter. We must follow this lead."

Hope rekindled in Lin Wan's eyes, and she said, "Okay, sister, where should we start?"

After thinking for a moment, Lin Ning said, "First, check the records of this lame female worker entering the palace to see if we can find any connection between her and Consort Rou before and after she entered the palace. Also, find out if it's true or false that Consort Rou is looking for a prescription to regulate her menstrual cycle, and who was involved in it."

So the two sisters quickly sprang into action. Lin Ning managed to find the official in charge of registering palace maids in the Imperial Household Department, and reviewed the relevant records, trying to find clues about the lame female worker's entry into the palace. Lin Wan, on the other hand, wandered around the palace, talking to more palace maids and eunuchs, inquiring about the details of Consort Rou's search for a remedy.

As the investigation deepened, they felt they were getting closer and closer to the truth...

Lin Ning knew that the key to further confirming his suspicions and solving the mystery of Consort Zhao's disappearance lay with Consort Rou. However, Consort Rou's identity was special, and there were some things that required the help of Nangong Jin.

Lin Ning hurried to the Imperial Study and, upon meeting Nangong Jin, recounted the clues she had uncovered and her concerns. "Your Majesty," she said, "numerous clues now indicate a strong connection between Consort Rou and Consort Zhao's disappearance. Especially the lame palace maid who served Consort Rou; she was originally a laundry worker, yet she suddenly entered the palace—her behavior is highly suspicious. Furthermore, it's said that Consort Rou's menstruation is irregular, but there might be more to this than meets the eye. Therefore, I implore Your Majesty to arrange for an imperial physician to examine Consort Rou's pulse to see if her menstrual irregularities are truly as she claims. Perhaps this will lead to crucial clues."

Upon hearing this, Nangong Jin's expression turned grave. He realized that this matter was of utmost importance, and if not handled properly, it could cause great chaos in the harem. After a moment's thought, he nodded and said, "Miss Lin is right. I will immediately arrange for a reliable imperial physician to go to Consort Rou's palace. However, this matter must be handled with caution, and we must not alert the enemy."

Before long, an experienced and trusted imperial physician was dispatched to Consort Rou's palace. Consort Rou was quite surprised to see the imperial physician arrive, but she did not show it and maintained her gentle demeanor.

After bowing respectfully, the imperial physician began to take Consort Rou's pulse. He was focused, his fingers resting on her wrist, carefully feeling the pulse. Upon finishing the examination, the physician frowned slightly, already having reached a conclusion.

Seeing this, Consort Rou asked with concern, "Imperial Physician, how is my pulse? Am I unwell?"

The imperial physician hurriedly bowed and replied, "Your Majesty's pulse is stable, and there are no signs of menstrual irregularities. However, Your Majesty seems to have been somewhat overworked recently and needs to rest more."

Consort Rou was startled, but quickly regained her composure and said with a smile, "I see, thank you for the reminder, Imperial Physician."

Meanwhile, Lin Ning and Nangong Jin anxiously awaited news from the imperial physician in the imperial study. Soon after, the physician rushed in and truthfully reported his diagnosis. Upon hearing this, Nangong Jin's expression darkened, and he said, "Miss Lin, what are your plans now?"

A hint of surprise flashed in Lin Ning's eyes as she said, "Your Majesty, regarding Consort Rou's pulse... may I speak with the imperial physician who treated her? Perhaps she is concealing something. However, Your Majesty..."

Nangong Jin nodded in agreement, and a more thorough investigation into Consort Rou quietly began. The truth behind Consort Zhao's disappearance also seemed to gradually emerge with each step of the investigation…

When news arrived that palace guards had discovered Consort Zhao's body in the woods outside the palace, a gloomy atmosphere descended upon the entire palace. Lin Ning and Lin Wan, upon hearing this devastating news, were struck dumb, speechless for a long time.

"How could this happen..." Lin Wan's eyes were filled with disbelief and grief, and her voice trembled slightly.

Lin Ning frowned, a surge of anger and resentment rising in his heart. He slowly said, "It seems our investigation has touched a nerve with some people. To protect the secret behind it, they are willing to kill. This secret is probably to cover up an unspeakable secret; otherwise, they wouldn't be so cruel as to kill to silence witnesses."

The two knew that the situation was becoming increasingly critical and complicated. What began as a simple investigation into the disappearance of Zhao Meiren had now escalated into a murder case, and the killer would undoubtedly try every means to cover up the crime, making the investigation even more difficult.

Lin Ning took a deep breath, trying to calm herself down, and said, "Wanwan, we can't give up now. Zhao Meiren can't have died in vain. We must find the real culprit and give her justice. Although the murderer has started killing to protect himself, it also means they are starting to panic. We must take this opportunity to speed up the investigation."

Lin Wan nodded vigorously, a determined light rekindling in her eyes: "Sister is right. No matter how difficult it is, we must find out the truth. What should we do next?"

After a moment's thought, Lin Ning said, "There must be many clues behind Consort Zhao's body. Let's examine the body first and see if we can find any new evidence. At the same time, we still can't let our guard down with Consort Rou. She definitely knows more inside information. We need to find a way to make her reveal a weakness."

Lin Ning and Lin Wan immediately headed to the location where Zhao Meiren's body was kept. Along the way, their hearts were filled with grief and resolute determination, secretly vowing to unravel the mystery, bring the mastermind to justice, and reveal the truth to the world…