The Aloof Lord's Mysterious Wife
Chapter 199: The Exploration of the Duke Zhenguo’s Residence at Night

Chapter 199: The Exploration of the Duke Zhenguo’s Residence at Night

With this in mind, Ye Chengyn finally felt at ease.

He knew that the Crown Prince had a sense of propriety and would save his dignity, so he didn’t linger any longer and quickly left the mansion.

Following him, Ye Siheng remarked, "The Crown Prince is about to marry Miss Rong. If any trouble arises at Duke Zhenguo’s residence at this time, it may delay the wedding."

Delaying the wedding was a minor issue, but if it were called off, Miss Rong would have no future.

Nanli pondered for a moment and said, "Although we emphasize the unity of the family, if this matter has nothing to do with Miss Rong, there is no need for her to bear the responsibility, right?"

Ye Siheng shook his head gently, "The Crown Princess is the future Empress, and she must have an impeccable reputation, leaving no room for gossip."

Nanli understood this reasoning and could only sigh.

Since she wanted to investigate Duke Zhenguo’s residence, she would act promptly without delay.

Ye Siheng also intended to accompany her, so Nanli placed an invisibility charm on him as well.

With the use of the teleportation charm, the two of them had already arrived inside Duke Zhenguo’s residence.

Duke Zhen was one of the Eight Dukes, so his residence was naturally grand.

With the invisibility charms, they didn’t need to sneak around.

Even if they walked openly in the residence, no one could see them.

Nanli formed a hand seal and released a paper crane.

Following the aura of the deceased, the paper crane flew at a moderate pace, allowing them to keep up.

Finally, the paper crane flew into a courtyard.

The courtyard gate was tightly closed, and the two of them planned to climb over the wall.

However, at this moment, Nanli frowned.

It was because the paper crane had been destroyed by someone.

Since it had been infused with her magic, she could sense it.

Her paper crane also had a concealment spell, yet someone was able to see through it, indicating that the person had some ability.

They climbed over the wall and saw that the paper crane had turned into fragments, scattered on the ground.

Ye Siheng’s eyes flashed with surprise.

In the corridor stood a man, standing with his hands behind his back, saying, "Since the Ninth Prince and Ninth Princess wish to visit Duke Zhenguo’s residence, why bother hiding?"

Nanli raised an eyebrow.

They had indeed been discovered.

She removed the invisibility charms from herself and Ye Siheng, smiling as she said, "Impressive observation, Prince."

Rong Zhiyun stepped forward, his expression devoid of any amusement.

He followed the proper etiquette and said, "Although I don’t know why the Prince and Princess have come, I invite both of you to have a cup of hot tea. I believe you won’t refuse, will you?"

Ye Siheng had a thick skin, "Of course not."

Rong Zhiyun invited them into the house, and the servants immediately became busy.

Duke Zhenguo was already advanced in age and held only a nominal position, rarely appearing in court.

However, the influence of Duke Zhenguo’s residence remained.

Although Ye Siheng held the title of a prince, if his nighttime exploration of Duke Zhenguo’s residence were to be known by the officials, it would surely cause a stir.

However, Nanli didn’t consider these matters.

After taking a seat, she instead asked, "Prince Rong, are you also proficient in Daoist arts?"

Otherwise, how could he see them and the paper crane?

"I have some minor knowledge," Rong Zhiyun poured tea for both of them, speaking slowly, "It’s also thanks to the Ninth Princess. If she were to use more advanced Daoist arts, I wouldn’t be able to discern them."

Nanli didn’t quite agree.

To be able to see through her magic, he must have some skill.

Just because he didn’t emit the aura of the deceased didn’t mean he had nothing to do with the purchase of longevity

Ye Siheng asked, "Where is Lady Xu? I do not see her presence here."

Rong Zhiyun’s eyes flickered slightly, and he lowered his gaze, seemingly evading the sharpness in Ye Siheng’s eyes.

He replied, "My wife is feeling unwell and has retired for the night. If the Prince wishes to see her, please remember to visit during daylight hours."

His words carried a hint of sarcasm, but Ye Sihengchose to ignore it, maintaining his

indifferent demeanor.

Suddenly, Nanli spoke up, "In truth, when a person passes away, they should be laid to rest, their soul entering the cycle of reincarnation, rather than being forcefully kept in the mortal realm. What do you think about, Prince Rong?"

Rong Zhiyun’s expression changed, and he stared intently at Nanli.

The cup in his hand trembled, almost spilling the tea.

Perplexed, Ye Siheng asked, "Why bring up such a topic all of asudden? You’ve frightened Prince Rong with your words."

"The Prince’s wife should have passed away," Nanli replied, "It has been nearly three months, hasn’t it?"

Ye Siheng raised an astonished eyebrow, unable to contain his surprise.

Countless thoughts flashed through Rong Zhiyun’s mind, but the person sitting before him was Ye Siheng, overwhelming in presence.

No matter how many thoughts he had, he could only suppress them for now.

He tugged at the corner of his mouth, then swiftly finished the tea in one gulp.

Setting the cup heavily on the table, he felt a mix of helplessness and frustration.

"I have already eliminated any traces of her presence from myself and the residence. How could Ninth Princess still perceive it?"

"Although the yin energy has dissipated, the Prince’s wife has been residing in this residence since her passing, and her presence lingers, causing this place to wither," Nanli explained.

Even the orchids placed on the small table appeared wilted, on the verge of withering away. Following her gaze, Rong Zhiyun let out a soft sigh and said, "My wife is unaware of her situation. I implore both of you to show mercy."

"So, it was you who purchased the longevity in the impoverished district?" Nanli pressed on.

Knowing he couldn’t deny it, Rong Zhiyun simply nodded, "I sent someone to make the purchase. Our ancestors left behind a treasure that can extend one’s lifespan by refining it. I used it for my wife."

Anger surged within Nanli, "To prolong your wife’s stay in the mortal realm, you traded in longevity. Do you realize the impact it has? Many people may be unable to enter the realm of the afterlife and be reincarnated, and there is a possibility that everything will vanish into thin air!"

"And what of it?" Rong Zhiyun’s gaze remained calm.

"I simply wanted my wife to stay a little longer. I spent money to buy longevity, a matter of mutual agreement. I am unaware of which law I have violated."

Even if it were just one more day, he had no regrets.

"When a person dies, by forcibly keeping them here, not only will it affect you, but the entire Mansion will be corroded by yin energy. In the long run, it will suffer," Nanli stated.

Rong Zhiyun’s mind was shaken.

This was something he had never considered.

Ye Siheng added, "Although there is no law prohibiting the buying and selling of longevity, I, as a member of the royal family, can dissolve the engagement between the Crown Prince and your sister."

Upon hearing this, Rong Zhiyun stood up abruptly, his eyes filled with anger.

"How dare you?!"

His sister had been in mourning for three years, eagerly awaiting her marriage to Ye Chengyan.

If this marriage were to be broken, who would dare to marry his sister in the future?

Ye Siheng’s gaze turned cold and profound.

"When you engage in any action, you should consider the consequences. You are the heir of Zhenguogong Mansion, bound by your family’s reputation. It is not just about you alone."

Rong Zhiyun’s face turned pale, and his body trembled slightly.

He took a deep breath, unsure of how to defend or refute.

Closing his eyes, he calmed himself down, then knelt directly in front of Ye Siheng.

"I beg you, Your Highness, to spare a way out for Zhenguo Mansion."

His sister had longed to marry into the Eastern Palace, and he couldn’t let it be ruined because of him.