Shuang Han Shi Si Zhou

Chapter 507 A Night Visit to the Imperial Palace

With these words, Chen Xiaobei's thoughts stirred. "Ru Mei, let's go inside and talk!" He then exchanged a look with the Lotus Cult Master and Shen Ziyan beside him.

Cui Hongyu immediately chimed in, "Yes, yes, Miss Liu, please come inside and talk. I'll watch the outside."

Liu Ru Mei did not stand on ceremony and followed Chen Xiaobei into the room.

Once inside, Liu Ru Mei directly spread the list on the table and said to everyone present.

"We've found the source of the shoes. In the past six months, so many people have bought shoes of the same size. Take a look, do you see anyone suspicious?"

Everyone's gaze first turned to Chen Xiaobei. This time, Chen Xiaobei did not step forward proactively but cupped his hands towards the Lotus Cult Master. "Eldest Sister, you look first."

The Lotus Cult Master waved her hand. "You all look. If there's anyone suspicious, I'll go investigate immediately."

Only then did Chen Xiaobei step forward and open the list.

After reading the list from beginning to end, Chen Xiaobei's gaze fixed on the words "Palace."

After hearing Liu Ru Mei's explanation, he nodded. "Alas, I never expected eunuchs in the palace to have to buy their own shoes."

What was said casually, was heard with intent. Liu Ru Mei's eyes suddenly lit up. "No, that's not right."

"As far as I know, the food, clothing, and daily expenses of eunuchs in the imperial palace are all uniformly regulated. In other words, even if he bought shoes, he wouldn't have the opportunity to wear them in the palace."

Upon hearing this, the Lotus Cult Master couldn't help but exclaim, "Ai ya, there's no need to be so long-winded. Just tell me who it is, and I'll go to the palace and capture them."

Liu Ru Mei shook her head. "The shopkeeper naturally did not dare to ask for his name, which is why he noted down 'Palace'."

At this moment, Shen Ziyan, who had been silent beside them, spoke. "Miss Liu, is there a possibility that a person from the palace needs to go out frequently, and bought such a pair of shoes for convenience?"

Hearing this, Liu Ru Mei shook her head again. "Eunuchs in the palace, if assigned to the Harem to protect the Empress and others, it is not easy for them to go out. Only those close to the Emperor might have the opportunity."

Shen Ziyan nodded. "Then it's simple. Why don't we go to the palace and inquire, see if any eunuchs close to the Emperor are missing or have disappeared. If no one is missing, then this clue can be ruled out!"

Liu Ru Mei nodded. "I do have some connections in the palace. I'll go and find out tomorrow. You all should rest early."

After seeing Liu Ru Mei off, Chen Xiaobei stayed to guard Huang Ying's memorial tablet, letting Cui Hongyu and the Lotus Cult Master return to their rooms to rest.

The Lotus Cult Master did not refuse at all and directly pulled Shen Ziyan back to their room.

Zi Yan was very confused. "Eldest Sister, shouldn't we stay by our junior sister's memorial tablet to show our respect? Why are you rushing to pull me back!"

The Lotus Cult Master glanced at her. "You are truly dense. Since those shoes were bought by a eunuch, why don't we two go to the palace and take a look!"

Hearing this, Shen Ziyan was greatly alarmed. "Eldest Sister, are you crazy? Trespassing into the imperial palace is a serious crime. If caught, one will be beheaded."

The Lotus Cult Master snorted slightly. "Do you think we would be caught? If we are, don't say we are disciples of the Southern Sea Divine Nun."

Just then, the window rattled slightly, and a cold wind blew in.

Both of them moved almost simultaneously, dodging to the side.

"Ding ding ding..." With a few faint sounds, a row of flashing flying needles appeared on the table nearby.

Seeing these flying needles, they exchanged a look and knelt down almost simultaneously, lifting their robes.

"Disciple Lotus,"

"Disciple Ziyan,"

"We welcome Master."

"Hmm, your skills have improved." A deep voice sounded from outside the window, and then a figure flashed before their eyes.

A middle-aged woman in a green robe appeared before them. This woman held a whisk in her hand, appearing like a practitioner. It was their master, the Southern Sea Divine Nun.

Shen Ziyan quickly got up and went to support the woman's arm. "Master, you've traveled far, please sit down and rest."

The Southern Sea Divine Nun looked at them with a grim expression. "What happened to Wang Ying? Have you caught the killer?"

"Replying to Master, we are currently discussing entering the palace to investigate the killer's identity." The Lotus Cult Master quickly bowed and replied.

The Southern Sea Divine Nun nodded. "Go, I'll take care of things here."

Saying this, the Southern Sea Divine Nun got up and walked towards the door. The Lotus Cult Master quickly stepped forward to help open it.

Seeing the Lotus Cult Master and Shen Ziyan accompanying a nun out, Chen Xiaobei guessed her identity.

He quickly stepped forward and cupped his fists. "Reverend Mother, you have arrived."

The Southern Sea Divine Nun nodded. Then she came to Huang Ying's memorial tablet, looked at it silently, and tears streamed down her face.

"Huang Ying, you truly are an unfortunate girl. Master was still waiting for you to care for me in my old age, yet you left me first."

Saying this, she wiped her tears again, picked up incense from the side, lit it, and held it up towards Huang Ying's tablet.

Then, she stepped forward and inserted the incense into the censer. Suddenly, her expression changed, and pointing at Huang Ying's tablet, she cursed, "You scoundrel! I raised you for many years, yet you left me, you've emptied my heart."

After scolding, the Southern Sea Divine Nun wept uncontrollably.

The Lotus Cult Master and Shen Ziyan beside them also wept.

Sorrow once again enveloped the small courtyard.

After an unknown period, a gong sound echoed from afar, marking the third watch.

The Southern Sea Divine Nun finally wiped away her tears and turned to look at the Lotus Cult Master and Shen Ziyan.

The two understood each other and simultaneously cupped their fists towards the Southern Sea Divine Nun. Then, they leaped and vanished into the darkness.

The Lotus Cult Master was familiar with the capital. The two quickly entered the imperial palace under the cover of night.

Standing on high ground and observing, the Lotus Cult Master pointed towards a distant light. "Behind the main hall is the Imperial Study. Let's go and see."

Dodging the patrolling guards, the two quickly approached the outside of the Imperial Study.

At this time, inside the Imperial Study, Xiao An was correcting official documents. Although he had already appointed Crown Prince Xiao Jingyun to oversee the court, there were still some memorials he had to personally review.

His personal guard, Bai Han, stood by his side, not daring to leave even for a moment.

After a period of busyness, Xiao An suddenly stopped writing and looked up at Bai Han. "What time is it now?"

Bai Han stepped forward, bowed, and respectfully replied, "Your Majesty, it is past the third watch. You should rest early."

Xiao An shook his head, stood up, and stretched his body slightly.

"It's still early. By the way, has Liu Xiangnan reached Xiangguo Temple?"

"Your Majesty, the person has been delivered to Xiangguo Temple, and guards have been arranged as per your instructions. Outsiders absolutely cannot get close to him."

Xiao An suddenly raised his eyes and looked at Bai Han. "Do you think I am being too harsh?"