The Aloof Lord's Mysterious Wife
Chapter 72: Diminishing One’s Virtue

Chapter 72: Diminishing One’s Virtue

Princess Consort of Min forced a smile, “It’s already late, and it wouldn’t be appropriate for Lord Xie to escort you back, fearing it may draw unwanted attention.”

This statement is both reasonable and considerate.

Since that’s the case, Xie Beihan refrained from seeing Nanli off. He led his men to the outside and handed her a silver ticket, saying, “I had forgotten about this earlier due to my faulty memory. This is the money from selling the Chuanbei-Loquat Pills on your behalf.”

He tilted his head slightly, wearing an expression that awaited praise on his face.

Nanli was momentarily stunned, her gaze shifting from the silver ticket to Xie Beihan’s face.

“You are quite clever, aren’t you? I asked you to deliver it to the Ninth Prince, not to sell it to him.”

No wonder she encountered someone outside the city the next day, and Ye Siheng treated her with such aloofness and coldness.

Xie Beihan exclaimed and scratched his head. “Little Sister, you are truly unpredictable. You charge others even for a talisman. How was I supposed to know you wouldn’t charge for this pill?”

It seems... it’s no wonder he acted that way.

Helpless, Nanli accepted the silver ticket, feeling uncertain.

She still didn’t know how to face him now, let alone explain this matter to him.

But a sudden realization struck her, thanks to Xie Beihan’s reminder.

Before she could fully comprehend it, the inn suddenly became filled with the sound of footsteps.

A group of people surrounded the inn!

A man dressed in brocade walked into the inn, accompanied by several guards.

Xie Beihan raised an eyebrow. “Eighth Prince?”

It was Prince Min.

The Princess Consort of Prince Min came out and her expression turned pale.

Prince Min, however, wore a gentle expression and said, “The servants informed me that Qin’er has a fever. Why didn’t you inform me? Instead, you troubled Lord Xie and Miss Chu.”

His words were slow and weak, indicating that Prince Min’s health was not in good condition.

Unable to climb stairs, he beckoned to the Princess Consort Min, asking her to come down, and instructed the servants, “Bring the little princess down as well.”

Trembling lips, the Princess Consort of Min had no choice but to comply as the servants swiftly brought the little prince to Prince Min’s side.

Xie Beihan and Nanli exchanged a glance and also descended to the lobby.

Upon seeing Prince Min’s frail appearance, they immediately understood why the Princess Consort Min had been avoiding the people from Prince Min’s residence.

Xie Beihan was taken aback, and Prince Min noticed, his voice weakly asking, “Lord Xie, what’s the matter with you?”

His gaze was deep, as if trying to discern something.

Xie Beihan, mindful of the previous lesson, dared not speak recklessly and awkwardly squeezed out a smile. “It has been a long time, Prince Min. Your complexion tonight is truly rosy, and your health seems to have improved.”

Prince Min faintly smiled, self-mockery evident in his expression.

“It’s fine. My consort has been quite a bother tonight. I shall come to express my gratitude in person another day.”

“No need, really.” Xie Beihan waved his hand. “But the little princess just recovered from a fever, so she needs to be taken care of attentively.”

Prince Min nodded. “She is my only daughter, and I will make sure she receives the best care.”

With that, he held the Princess Consort of Min’s hand and left together.

After the people from Prince Min’s residence departed, Nanli asked, “Has Prince Min always been in such poor health?”

“Yes,” Xie Beihan replied. “Prince Min’s birth mother was a palace maid, and she wasn’t valued by the former emperor during her pregnancy, resulting in Prince Min’s illness in the womb. Since his birth, he has been physically weak due to congenital deficiencies.”

Because of Prince Min’s frailty, he rarely attended palace banquets, so Xie Beihan had only seen him two or three times.

Judging from his complexion, Prince Min’s health was deteriorating.

Xie Beihan pursed his lips and whispered, “Sixth Sister, I wonder if I am mistaken...”

“You are not mistaken,” Nanli interjected, preventing him from speaking further.

“But as I have warned you before, refrain from uttering what should not be said, lest it stirs up trouble and tarnishes your own karma.”

Thoroughly chastened by his previous lesson, Xie Beihan nodded vigorously, refraining from making any noise this time.

Yet, his excitement and exhilaration surged within him, for he had achieved some proficiency in physiognomy.

The countenance of Prince Min just now clearly indicated a lack of fortune and progeny.

In an instant, he unraveled a great secret!

Judging by the behaviour of Prince Min, it was evident that he was aware of this matter.

Upon returning to the main hall, a maid brought forth a bowl of ginseng tea.

After taking a few sips, he felt a faint warmth permeate his chilled body. His gaze narrowed, and the Princess Consort knelt before him in terror, pleading, “I beseech your mercy.” Prince Min placed the ginseng tea back on the small table, his gaze icy as he stared at the Princess Consort.

“Bring it forth.” A guard approached, carrying a small box and placing it before the Princess Consort.

With just a glance, the Princess Consort turned pale, trembling all over. “Mei... Mei’er.”

Inside the box lay the severed head of a maid.

Fresh and bloodied, it had been freshly severed not long ago.

“Mei’er aided your escape from the palace, and this is her fate,” Prince Min spoke slowly.

“Seeking help from Chu Nanli, you intended to expose my disgraceful secrets, didn’t you?” His final accusation was feeble, lacking in strength.

However, it was evident that Prince Min was furious.

He had explicitly warned the Princesss Consort that Chu Nanli possessed the ability to read physiognomy, and that his Fourth Brother had been thoroughly humiliated by him.

Thus, it was best for them to cut off any connections.

Yet, the Princess Consort’s escape had brought about their reunion so soon!

The Princess Consort regained her composure, clenching her fists. “Miss Chu would never speak recklessly.”

“But Xie Beihan’s expression just now clearly revealed his understanding!”

Prince Min seethed, coughing a few times.

A glint of coldness flashed in his eyes.

“Bring someone to throw that wretched bastard into the well.”

As long as the wretched bastard died, he would have nothing to fear.

The Princess Consort widened her eyes, cursing, “How dare you?! Ye Jinming, it was you... it was you who didn’t want to hear idle gossip, so you drugged me and allowed the guards to defile me! Now that no one can say you are impotent, you want to kill my daughter? How heartless can you be!”

Ye Jinming’s face turned cold.

“She is a wretched bastard, fortunate enough to have set foot in this world and enjoy the status of a princess. It is already a grace bestowed upon her by this prince.”

He desired an heir to carry on his lineage, but this child was not of his blood.

Every time he saw her, an uncontrollable rage surged within him.

The Princess Consort smiled, tilting her head slightly as she stared directly at Ye Jinming.

“I have long written a letter entrusted to a confidant. If either my daughter or I encounter any mishap, my confidant will reveal the letter, tarnishing your reputation and subjecting you to the scorn of the world!”

Ye Jinming glared at the Princess Consort, his anger palpable as he coughed incessantly.

As the situation gone out of control, the Princess Consort no longer feared.

She continued, “Ye Jinming, you have wronged me, yet I have never wronged you. I have never revealed your intentions to anyone. If you still with a shred of conscience, do not torment us any further, including my mother and daughter.”

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