Chapter 1381: Smoke and Fire Rise

the Empress Dowager is staring at both me and your brother. She'll give him the same outcome as staying by my side. The Empress Dowager isn't stupid; unless you, Third Sister, don't want to help me...Lu Nian watched Dugu Cheng's worried eyes, a smile widening on her lips.

"Don't worry, I won't lie to you. My sister's brother is my brother too. Although I don't want this brother, since my sister likes him, I'll treat him as my own brother and take care of him. He'll be fine."

"Lu Ge, thank you this time."

Just call me "Big Brother," why add a surname Besides, my little sister isn't here anyway.

Du Gucheng was amused by Lu Nian's words. Come to think of it, that's really true. Even if Xier wasn't here, he could call him "Big Brother" and Xier wouldn't be angry, would she

"Big brother."

"Hey!" Lu Nian responded quickly, grinning. "Just because you call me Big Brother, from now on if anything happens, just come to me. Need any help, just speak up."

Thank you, big brother.

Although Lu Nian is Xi'er's older brother, this was the first time Du Gu Cheng felt such brotherhood. He had many brothers, but none of them gave him this feeling.

"You are truly different from your other brothers. Xi'er has good taste in choosing you."

"Thank you for the compliment, big brother."

Du Gucheng also had a smile on his face, and he went to Yipinxiang with Lu Nian, laughing and chatting. The figure behind them followed them all the time. Du Gucheng and Lu Nian looked at each other, how could they not know.

As Du Gu Cheng had expected, upon learning of Nangong Huayun's assassination, the imperial court immediately dispatched Feng Aotian, who was yet to return to the capital, to investigate the matter.

Feng Lingxi learned from Lu Nian that Feng Yumò was still alive. She was so excited that she couldn't contain herself. That night, she had dinner at Chen Wangfu, but all of this reached the ears of Emperor Yuan Zhao in the capital.

Emperor Yuan Zhao, under the slander of his chancellor, decided to kill Dugu City.

Upon hearing of the events in Linxi County, Empress Shu immediately dispatched someone to inquire about them. Upon learning of the many occurrences there, she immediately sent a letter by messenger to Linxi County that very night.

Feng Aotien became the imperial commissioner and arrived at the post house, personally investigating the truth behind Nangong Huayun's assassination, and asked Dugu City to cooperate.

With matters in Tu Mu Town yet to be settled, Feng Aotian received a notice from the imperial court summoning him here to investigate the assassination of Nan Gong Huayun. The implication was clear: it was still related to the Chen王府. At that moment, Feng Aotian understood the meaning behind the court's message.

After resting for a while at the inn, Feng Aotian went to Chen Wang's mansion.

In the main hall, Feng Aotian sat on the throne. His status was different from when he came before; this time, he was here as an imperial envoy to investigate the assassination of Nangong Huayun. Moreover, the court had sent people to assist him, who would arrive in a few days.

"Commander of the Protectorate, how is the situation in Tumuh"

Dugu Cheng spoke first. Feng Aotien looked at the couple and said in a serious tone, "The plague has basically been eradicated. According to the medicine prescribed by the princess before, all infected patients have recovered after taking the medicine, and Tumuzhen has also been lifted. However, the source of the plague has not yet been found."

Feng Aotien finished speaking and looked at Feng Lingxi, who had been silent until now. He opened his mouth and said, "The people of Tumu Town asked me to say hello on their behalf. They said they are all well and thank you."

"I was just following orders, no need to thank me."

Although Feng Lingxi said so, her heart was still quite happy. At least these commoners hadn't been ungrateful, and Gao family's affairs hadn't affected their opinion of her. That was enough.

"This time, the assassination of Nan Gong Hua Yun, the former Imperial Envoy's son, the Emperor has asked me to investigate. This matter still requires the assistance of His Royal Highness, Prince Chen."

"Speaking of this, Feng Aotiān's brow furrowed slightly, "I know you are also innocent in this matter, but the assassination of the son of the Chancellor in Linxi County, coupled with the death of the Chancellor's wife from poisoning in Linxi County, means that things have to involve you."

Du Gu Cheng remained silent. He knew what the court meant. It was just that this investigation into Nan Gong Hua Yun had fallen on them, and everything had become different.

Although the imperial court has not stated that Nán Gōng Huá Yún's assassination was related to him, by now asking him to assist in the investigation, it appears to outsiders as if he was responsible.

"This matter, this king has no clue, doesn't know how to investigate."

"I will thoroughly investigate this matter. All Crown Prince Chen needs to do is cooperate with me."

Wind Aotian's words surprised Duguo City a little. Since Wind Lingxi helped him, Wind Aotian had never called himself General in front of him. Moreover, he always spoke up for them and considered their well-being.

This time as well, my intentions are clear.

Feng Aotien looked at Feng Lingxi, feeling that she was still as indifferent to him as before. He had actually tried his best to be good to her, but it seemed she couldn't see the changes in him.

"Your Highness, the Duchess of Chen, I remember you were present when the Duchess of the Prime Minister died from the poison. Besides you and Nan Gong Hua Yun, were there any other people present"

"What do you mean by that"

Wind Ling Xi's eyes gradually turned cold. Feng Ao Tian saw her displeasure and explained, "This time I came here to investigate not only the assassination of Nan Gong Hua Yun but also the death from poisoning of the Empress Dowager."

Well, she should understand now, right

Feng Lingxi let out a cold, cynical laugh. "As expected, I've been dragged into this after all."

"Now, besides you, we must find the witnesses who were present at the time. Only then can we clear your suspicion."

Feng Aotian's words were clear enough. He had received a tip that someone reported her as the one who poisoned the Chancellor's wife. Now that Nangong Huayun was assassinated, if no witnesses were found, Feng Lingxi might find herself unable to explain.

"Xier, you have to think hard now. Besides you, who else was there at the time"

"It was those maidservants from the inn. If my memory serves me right, they all served the wife of the prime minister. I wonder if any of them were involved in this assassination."

Xiao Li hurriedly spoke up, looking at the Queen's gloomy face. Although she desperately hoped there was still a chance of survival, it seemed highly unlikely.

When we arrived at the residence of the Prime Minister's wife with Hua Yun, she was already dead. Everyone in the relay station can attest to this.

Feng Ling Xi lifted her eyes and met Feng Ao Tian's gaze, "The General of Zhen Guo can go ask them."

"I will investigate this thoroughly. During the course of the investigation, you are not allowed to leave Chen Wangfu."

Feng Aotian's words made Feng Lingxi clench her fists. She was suspected of poisoning the wife of the Prime Minister, and Feng Aotian didn't say these things, she hadn't even thought of this. Now it seems that this is a conspiracy.

"Your Highness, I have no intention of doubting you. However, given the current circumstances, I can only ask for your cooperation during this investigation."

"If the culprit can't be found, will they just pin the murder of the Prime Minister's wife on Xi'er" Dugu City glared at Feng Aotian, his eyes blazing with anger, his fists clenched tightly.

Feng Aotian looked at the couple's anger, "This matter has nothing to do with the princess, so it can't be blamed on her, unless someone deliberately wants her dead."

Feng Lingxi's body stiffened. This court had sent Feng Aotien to investigate this matter, which clearly meant they wanted her dead.

"Xi'er, don't be impulsive."

Dugu Cheng soothed, "The clear shall be clear. Since General Zhen Guo has agreed to investigate properly, you should stay at the mansion and wait with peace of mind."et the Empress remain in the palace. The relationship between the Fourth Princess and the Empress has always been strained. The Fourth Princess's temperament is difficult to fathom. If she returns thi...