Chapter 33: The General’s Manor, Death of a Maid

"I did not! Young master, please do not make such wild accusations!" Biluo shook her head desperately, only now understanding why the servant had laughed earlier.

A sharp slap cracked through the air, and Yingdie glared at Biluo in fury. "How dare you harbor evil intentions toward the young master!"

"Guards! Seize this wretched maid and take her away. I will interrogate her myself!" General Chu Xiong's face was livid with anger.

Though Chu Junhan had spoken carelessly, perhaps not fully grasping the situation, none of the adults present were oblivious to the truth. It was clear Biluo had intended to take Chu Junhan's life and blame it on Liu Yan’er’s fainting, thereby sowing discord between the Prime Minister’s residence and the General’s mansion. What a vicious scheme!

Realizing her plot had been uncovered, Biluo threw her head back and laughed wildly. "It seems I underestimated you. You truly are remarkable for your age!" The last words were spoken through gritted teeth.

"Stop her! She’s trying to take poison!" Liu Shuming shouted. Several maids and servants rushed forward.

But it was already too late. Blood trickled from the corner of Biluo’s mouth as she glared hatefully at Chu Junhan.

With a heavy thud, Biluo collapsed to the floor, her eyes fixed unblinkingly in Chu Junhan’s direction, her spirit unwilling to depart.

Xifeng held the child tightly in her arms, shielding her from the ghastly scene.

"As expected, there was a hidden hand," Chu Xiong muttered, his brows tightly knit. He had only just returned to the capital and already encountered such treachery—an ominous beginning.

Liu Shuming placed a reassuring hand on Chu Xiong’s shoulder. "The court is a tangled web of intrigue. Since you have only just returned, if you trust me, perhaps you should let me investigate this matter."

Chu Xiong clasped his hands in gratitude. "I must trouble you, Brother Liu."

"Not at all," Liu Shuming replied, returning the gesture.

As he departed, Liu Shuming glanced at the young boy in Xifeng's embrace. Their eyes met, and a strange feeling flickered through Liu Shuming’s heart—he could not see through the mind of this five-year-old child.

Within the Prime Minister’s residence, Lady Liu sat at Liu Yan’er’s bedside, gently wiping her daughter's forehead. Liu Shuming paced the room, replaying the day's events in his mind.

"Mother?" Liu Yan'er murmured, raising a weak hand.

"Yan’er, you’re awake!" Lady Liu exclaimed with joy, thanking the heavens that her precious daughter was safe.

Liu Shuming hurried over, his expression solemn. "I need to ask you a few questions. Please answer honestly."

"Yes, Father." Liu Yan’er struggled to sit up, her whole body aching.

Sensing the gravity of the moment, Lady Liu stepped aside, allowing Liu Shuming to take her place. "Do you remember what happened before you lost consciousness?"

Liu Yan’er thought for a moment, her voice soft and gentle. "Mother asked me to play with Junhan. He was teaching me how to hold a horse stance, and then... I remember nothing more."

She did not tell her father that she had noticed how Junhan’s eyes shone like stars, nor did she mention the person who had told her to remember his name for a lifetime.

"Husband, has there been any progress in uncovering the spy?" Lady Liu inquired.

Liu Shuming sighed. "It was someone from the Grand Commandant’s residence."

With that, he drew a letter from his robe and handed it to Lady Liu. "Find an opportunity to deliver this letter to the General’s mansion. Take Yan’er with you and let her spend more time with Chu Xiong’s son."

"You wish to make a choice..." Lady Liu was a perceptive woman and understood his meaning.

Liu Shuming shook his head. "The political landscape remains uncertain. There is no need to take sides just yet. But one thing I am sure of: Chu Xiong’s young son is destined for greatness."

"What makes you so certain, Husband?"

Liu Shuming recalled that day—the look in the child’s eyes. Though he had seemed timid, his gaze was deep and unfathomable.