"Father, I cannot leave," Xie Jia Yan's expression was calm, almost too calm, with a restraint beyond his years.
"The trouble has already erupted. I cannot simply abandon it. How else would I be worthy of your teachings over the years? This fire started inexplicably. If I do not uncover the truth, Mother will not rest easy. As long as Father and Mother can live out their remaining years in peace, I will have no further worries."
Xie Yuan Lang listened to him speak and said nothing more. After a long while, he finally managed to squeeze out two words in a hoarse voice: "Jia Yan,"
"My mind is made up."
From the moment he learned of Wang Ning Qing's accident, he had already decided. Tomorrow, he would write a prescription for his father to take.
His father fell ill at the Imperial College. With students as witnesses, even the imperial physicians would only diagnose it as exhaustion requiring rest.
When his father proposed to resign, the Sage would no longer object.
Once the court weathered this crisis, he could then go to Jiang Zhou.
...
The Wang family's villa burned down, and Wang Ning Qing died inexplicably. Coupled with the unclear death of Empress Wang prior to this, the situation had reached a breaking point, causing an uproar throughout the court.
The aristocratic families and their protégés relentlessly demanded a thorough investigation by the court to unmask the mastermind.
The Yao family, already suspected of causing the Empress's death, naturally became the first suspect when the head of the Wang family met his end.
Yao Zhi Nian was so pressured that he almost lost his composure and started shouting, yet he was still unable to clear his name.
After leaving court, Yao Zhi Nian was berated again in the Consort's palace. Yao Zhi Nian was seething with anger but dared not vent it on Consort Yao, so he could only kneel on the ground and swear to the heavens.
"Your Highness, I admit I truly hate that old scoundrel Wang Ning Qing, but it really wasn't me. I swear on the lives of my entire Yao family."
As soon as Yao Zhi Nian finished speaking, Consort Yao threw a cup. "Are you threatening me?"
"Your subject would never dare. The Seventh Prince is about to return to the capital. Even if I were foolish, I would not dare to cause further trouble at this time," Yao Zhi Nian said, filled with trepidation.
The Sage's ambiguous attitude today suggested he might also suspect the Yao family.
"You had better clean up your act. If you implicate Che'er, no one can save you," Consort Yao said before rising and leaving Yao Zhi Nian kneeling alone in the outer hall.
...
As soon as Xie Jia Yan arrived at the Wang family's villa, he noticed someone and had to find a place to hide until the person left.
"Master, the fire seems to have started from here," one of the black-clad men said after inspecting the area, his gaze falling on a spot.
"This looks like the kitchen."
"Yes, your subordinate smells a trace of lamp oil. Perhaps a rat knocked over the oil lamp."
"Ridiculous. Where would such a coincidence occur?" the person scoffed.
"Does Master suspect foul play?"
"Of course it was intentional. How could someone like Wang Ning Qing die so easily? Continue to inspect for any other irregularities," the person ordered.
Xie Jia Yan had an exceptionally good memory, and this extended to voices as well. However, he had never heard this person's voice before, so he was likely not a court official.
Listening to the master and servant speak, they did not sound like members of the aristocratic families. Yet, why were they investigating the cause of Wang Ning Qing's death?
"Master, here!" the attendant said in a low voice. "Master, there is more than one point of origin for the fire. There are these two spots as well. It seems Master is correct; it was indeed intentional. Who is so bold as to set a fire and commit murder in the capital?"
"For power and status, what wouldn't they do? Let's go," the speaker said with disdain.
"Master isn't investigating further?"
"There are only a few people in the capital who would dare to be so bold and meticulous. Unless..."
"Unless what?"
"Hmph. The more you know, the faster you die. It's better if you don't ask."
"Master, wait for me..."