Chapter 127: Secrets - Rebirth of the Noble Daughter

 Chapter 127: Secrets

The night was dark and the wind was high, with silence all around.

Since returning from the Feng family, Bai Xiang had locked himself in his study, not allowing anyone to disturb him, not even for dinner.

In the main room, a subtle incense drifted from the golden qilin-shaped bronze censer on the table. Bai Xiang’s tall silhouette was cast against the window, completely still.

With a slight movement, a faint scent wafted into Bai Xiang’s nose. Turning around, he saw a tall man in black standing in the study. His face was covered, but his eyes shone brightly like stars.

Bai Xiang spoke first, cupping his fists in a gesture of thanks towards Xiao Tingyi.

“Thank you, Your Highness, for your assistance. Without it, the Feng family would have been in serious trouble.”

Xiao Tingyi smiled, appreciating dealing with intelligent people who understood without needing many words.

He simply pulled down the mask covering his face, revealing a handsome face that looked even more enigmatic in the warm candlelight.

“The entire administration of the Canal Transport Department is corrupt to the core. Without some drastic measures, a thorough investigation would be impossible, and not only the people of Liangzhe but the whole empire would suffer. Master Feng is a good official, but he can’t contend with those local bullies. If he were to rashly go to Jinling City, the outcome wouldn’t be favorable.”

“Your Highness has great foresight. I am impressed,” Bai Xiang said, rarely showing such admiration in his gaze.

When the late emperor was alive, he favored the Seventeenth Prince greatly, not just out of familial affection but because he saw in him a rare royal concern for the empire.

Among the numerous princes, all aspired to the highest position, but none truly cared for the people, only for power and status.

It was a pity that such a promising imperial figure was lost in the Southern Yue war ten years ago.

Now, to the world, he had to remain the secluded, sickly Prince Ding.

“However, there is one thing I don’t understand. When did Your Highness start suspecting the Canal Transport Department?”

For Prince Ding to risk exposing himself after years of hiding to intervene in this matter, the Canal Transport Department must have crossed a significant line.

Could it be...

As Bai Xiang’s thoughts formed a hypothesis, Xiao Tingyi spoke calmly.

“Southwest Luo River, Northwest Liang River, and Northeast Ling River—all combined have less than two-thirds of the transport volume of the Liangzhe Canal. The Wei family, for their own gain, colluded and embezzled millions of shi of official grain over the past decade. Grain meant for the imperial granary and military supply didn’t reach their destinations. As such parasites, I could no longer tolerate it, so I had the last Canal Transport Supervisor killed to disrupt their plans and weaken Duke Wei’s power, making it easier to clean up the Canal Transport Department in Liangzhe.”

His eyes were cold stars, and his words carried no emotion, but those who knew him understood he was truly angered.

The more enraged he was, the calmer his expression.

Over the past ten years, Prince Ding had built an impenetrable facade, hiding his true thoughts and feelings from outsiders.

Hearing this, Bai Xiang understood the gist.

The Wei family dared to touch even the grain supply for the troops defending the country. Truly, they were courting death. Greed blinds and power corrupts. Once avarice takes over, destruction is inevitable.

“Your Highness, rest assured. Prince Ding’s actions benefit the country and the people. Whoever you push to the position, I will support from behind.”

“In that case, thank you, Bai Xiang.”

The Wei family’s choice of Feng Hai had to have a deeper meaning.

Could it be simply because he was Bai Xiang’s son-in-law?

Choosing him at this exact time to be a scapegoat was suspicious. Bai Xiang’s eyes darkened with deep contemplation, as if an inky blackness obscured their depths.

Choosing him at this exact moment to be a scapegoat was highly suspicious. Bai Xiang’s eyes darkened, as if a thick ink was obscuring his thoughts.

In the study, shadows flickered. A servant on night patrol passed by, feeling a light breeze blow by. After surveying the area and finding nothing unusual, he continued his rounds with a lantern.

In the study, Bai Xiang was left alone. For some reason, he suddenly recalled Feng Jinxu’s words from earlier that day. The face of his granddaughter, Feng Jinyao, appeared in his mind. Perhaps it was time to have a serious conversation with her.

Early the next morning, the Feng family sent for an imperial physician to examine the injury.

The atmosphere was tense, with every servant wearing a grave expression. As soon as Doctor Liu entered Yunhai Courtyard, he was greeted by the sound of Madam Feng’s heart-wrenching cries. Frowning, he stepped inside and found the situation dire.

Master Feng was unconscious, with a basin of bloodied water next to him. Bandages lay scattered on the floor, all stained with blood.

The room was filled with sorrowful crying and somber faces.

Doctor Liu swallowed hard, silently praying for divine intervention. If anything happened to Master Feng, he feared he wouldn’t leave the Feng residence unscathed.

He quickly approached to examine the wound. The severe knife wound had pierced the chest, turning a dark purple-black and showing signs of infection.

Looking at the unconscious Master Feng, whose eyes were sunken and face deathly pale, with more labored breaths than steady ones, Doctor Liu was at a loss as to where to start.

“When did Master Feng sustain this injury?” he asked.

“My father was Assassinated in the courtyard last night. Initially, his condition was stable, but it suddenly worsened this morning. Could the blade have been poisoned?” Feng Jinxu’s suspicion was reasonable, prompting Doctor Liu to test with a silver needle.

Fortunately, there were no signs of poisoning.

However, the wound was complex to treat, prompting him to reluctantly say, “I am not skilled in treating knife wounds and fear I may delay Master Feng’s recovery. It would be best to seek a military doctor specialized in such injuries.”

His words were sincere, though they carried a hint of wanting to pass the responsibility, they were also meant for Feng Hai’s benefit.

Madam Feng nearly fainted again upon hearing this. Feng Jinlin gritted his teeth and said, “I’ll find Su Cheng.”

Su Cheng, the son of General Su, might be able to find a skilled military doctor if his father requested it.

Feng Jinxu, though grim-faced, did not vent his frustration on Doctor Liu. After a moment of silence, he said, “Then please prescribe some remedies to strengthen my father’s constitution and replenish his blood. It will aid his recovery during bed rest.”

“That is not difficult. I will write the prescription immediately. If there’s anything else I can assist with, do not hesitate to call on me.”

The relationship between the Feng and Bai families was deeply rooted, so maintaining good relations with the Feng family was appropriate both emotionally and logically.

“Thank you, Doctor Liu.”

“You’re too kind, Young Master.”

Fu Yi escorted Doctor Liu out, while Bai Mama, worried about Madam Feng’s grief, refrained from saying much, focusing instead on helping the household doctor bandage the wound properly.

That afternoon, General Su personally brought a renowned military doctor to treat Master Feng’s injury.

Soon, the news of Feng Hai’s assassination spread throughout the streets. People praised Master Feng’s integrity and the Feng family’s virtuousness, wondering why they were repeatedly targeted. Could there be a sinister plot behind these misfortunes?

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