He wasn’t entirely without memory of what had happened.
A deep frown settled on his face, anger laced beneath his voice. “You have some nerve. Sneaking into the rear garden, seducing a maid into committing such shameless acts—once I investigate…”
He cut himself off abruptly.
He had just realized—his own actions had been far from honorable.
His tone softened, turning serious. “Something about this is strange.”
Hong Ning tilted her head. “Your Highness truly has no idea?”
Yang Zhen’s frown deepened. “Her eyes…”
The moment he had met that woman’s gaze, he had felt as if his soul had been pulled away, his mind blanking completely.
He hadn’t even registered what she looked like.
Hong Ning hesitated, then decided to ask directly. “Where did Your Highness’s two concubines come from?”
Yang Zhen was momentarily taken aback. “They are both from the capital.”
Hong Ning nodded. “Has Your Highness been staying frequently in Lady Wang’s chambers lately?”
Yang Zhen shot her a sharp glance but did not answer.
Hong Ning suppressed a laugh. “This is Your Highness’s private matter, and I would not dare pry. But if we are to investigate, I believe the key lies with Lady Wang.”
His expression turned thunderous. “Just now—was she…”
Hong Ning shook her head. “Lady Wang is graceful and well-mannered. If she truly comes from a noble family, then she should be above suspicion. Besides, the recent murders in Chong Zhou started months ago. At that time, she was still in the capital with you. She naturally has nothing to do with it. But—if a demon is using her appearance to commit these crimes, that would be another matter entirely.”
Yang Zhen’s expression eased slightly, deep in thought. “You mean there is a demon inside the estate?”
Hong Ning smiled. **“And not just any demon—a master of seduction. A single misstep, and even one’s life could be forfeit. I would advise Your Highness to avoid visiting either concubine for the time being. And more importantly—do not look women in the eyes so easily.”
Yang Zhen’s gaze immediately snapped to her eyes.
Hong Ning turned her face away. “She may very well borrow my appearance as well. Your Highness would do best not to trust me completely.”
Her tone was calm, indifferent. “Now that my powers are sealed, I can do little to help. Your Highness should secretly seek out a Daoist master or an eminent monk.”
Yang Zhen asked, “Was she responsible for the recent murders in the city?”
Hong Ning replied, “Most likely.”
Yang Zhen’s eyes darkened. “Someone was killed just two days ago.”
Hong Ning nodded. “Then she has already found a new target.”
Yang Zhen gave a brief nod of acknowledgment. Then, remembering his earlier actions, he coughed lightly. “Earlier…”
He spoke only two words before stopping abruptly.
He clearly couldn’t bring himself to apologize.
Hong Ning had never intended to hold it against him.
After all, only a rare few mortals could resist such a potent enchantment.
So she smoothly cut him off, sparing him the trouble.
“What matters now is not Your Highness’s actions, but the real Lady Wang’s safety. If she has been harmed, the demon may be using her identity to stay in the estate undetected. Your Highness should investigate discreetly—better not to startle the enemy before we have all the facts.”
She had deliberately shifted the conversation away.
It was clear she held no grudge against him.
Yet somehow, Yang Zhen’s expression only darkened further.
He studied her for a long moment, his gaze cold and unreadable—then, without another word, he turned and strode away.
A sharp flick of his sleeve.
And a parting remark:
“I’ll be sleeping in the study for the time being.”
She watched as his figure disappeared around the corridor.
Then, she couldn’t hold back a chuckle.
So that’s what bothered him?
That she let it go so easily?
Perhaps he thought she had no sense of chastity, that she did not value her own virtue enough.
Yet if she had insisted he take responsibility, he would have looked down on her even more.
What an impossible man.
Still, at least he had answered her question.
Since he had not been staying with Lady Wang recently, that meant—
Whoever was in the garden now might not be the real Lady Wang.
Her amusement faded.
The ability to wield such flawless seduction…
Aside from the Nine-Tailed Fox Clan, who else could it be?
The corners of her lips curled into a cold smile.
Turning slowly, she murmured, “And the Lord of the Central Heavens still refuses to show himself?”
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