Lady Wang’s eyes reddened slightly, but she nodded in agreement.
This was a man with countless concubines—when had he ever bothered to concern himself with their emotions?
Hong Ning knew better than to comment further.
Instead, she added, “There have been several murder cases in the city recently. His Highness has been quite preoccupied.”
The murders in Chong Zhou were no secret.
Hearing this, Lady Wang seemed relieved, accompanying them to the steps.
“The case is indeed urgent, but Your Highness must still take care not to overexert yourself.”
To devote oneself entirely to a man, to live by his moods, and serve him in every way—yet still be just one among many.
Favored or not, being cast aside was inevitable.
This was nothing new among the royal family.
But this time, it felt different.
He had actually forbidden Lady Wang from leaving her residence.
Hong Ning regretted her decision slightly—perhaps she should not have told him the truth.
After all, he had witnessed last night’s events with his own eyes.
Even knowing that it was another woman using his concubine’s appearance, he could not possibly feel at ease.
Yang Zhen’s expression remained calm, his pace steady as he strode along the covered corridor.
Hong Ning glanced around.
Seeing that no one was following, she finally spoke.
“This matter has nothing to do with Lady Wang.”
Yang Zhen gave a noncommittal “Mm.”
He made no further comment.
Hong Ning knew better than to press the issue.
Suddenly, Yang Zhen halted.
His voice was casual, yet pointed.
“And if I truly intended to cast her aside—what would you do?”
Hong Ning blinked, momentarily caught off guard.
Then, she smiled.
“How could a commoner like me interfere in Your Highness’s household affairs? I only wished to point out that Lady Wang is innocent.”
Yang Zhen’s gaze flickered, cold as ever.
“You already meddle quite enough.”
Hong Ning had nothing to say to that.
His gaze sharpened briefly before he continued forward.
“The immediate priority is to find that fox demon before she causes more harm.”
Hong Ning suddenly understood.
The demon had taken on Lady Wang’s appearance—and if word got out, the scandal would stain the prince’s household.
Yang Zhen valued his reputation above all else.
A scandal like this would be unbearable.
No wonder he had forbidden Lady Wang from leaving—to prevent rumors from spreading.
Yang Zhen continued, “She may not be guilty, but she is still connected to this. If she had no part in it, why would the demon have chosen her face?”
A person does not attract trouble without reason.
If that servant had not already harbored indecent thoughts toward Lady Wang, then why would the fox demon have chosen her appearance to seduce him?
Someone had dared to desire his concubine.
Now it made sense why he was truly angry.
Hong Ning smoothly changed the topic.
“Since the man is from the estate, finding him shouldn’t be difficult. If we locate him, we might be able to…”
She suddenly stopped mid-sentence, raising a hand to point ahead.
“Who is that?”
Yang Zhen followed her gaze.
His expression darkened instantly.
“Stop right there.”
The figure in question was a man dressed in scholarly robes, his posture slouched and weary as he trudged along.
Hearing the sudden command, he visibly flinched in shock.
When he turned and recognized who had spoken, he immediately hurried over to bow.
“Your Highness.”
Yang Zhen narrowed his eyes, scrutinizing the man.
“You are not one of my household servants.”
The scholar kept his head lowered, answering respectfully, “This humble commoner is Zhong Wen Cai. I arrived a few days ago to visit family—Zhao Xing, the imperial guard, is my cousin.”
His spirit seemed weak, his eyes dull, lacking the clarity of a sober man.
It was eerily similar to someone who had fallen under an enchantment.
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