Chapter 16: Prince Xuan Comes to the Rescue

"Who dares lay a hand on someone under my protection!"

A deep, commanding voice cut through the air, every word ringing clear in the ears of all present. Turning toward the sound, they saw a young man with a stony expression slowly pushing a wheelchair forward.

Seated in the wheelchair was a young man dressed in a black brocade robe, his dark hair tied in a crown and loosely falling behind him. With sword-like brows and star-bright eyes, his face was lean and distinguished. Even seated, his back remained straight, exuding an aloof and unapproachable elegance that set him apart from the crowd. His cold gaze landed directly on Lu Ziqing, and though he looked up only slightly, his bearing was one of effortless authority.

Shen Qianmo was momentarily stunned. The detached and solitary figure of this man seemed to fill her vision, making everything else fade away, leaving only his black robes and jet-black hair. Her heart skipped a beat.

Who was this man? Did she know him? She quickly denied the thought—she was now Mo Xin, a character she had invented, so how could she possibly know someone who claimed the title of "prince"?

Wait—a prince in a wheelchair? Could it be...?

Her suspicion was confirmed almost at once when Lu Ziqing, for once lowering his pride, cupped his fists toward the man in the wheelchair and said, "Greetings, Prince Xuan."

The House of Prince Xuan had long been revered for defending the nation, resisting foreign threats, and earning the admiration of the people. Many soldiers had perished on the battlefield for their cause. Even with his high opinion of himself, Lu Ziqing held great respect for the Prince Xuan’s household.

Meng Yuanheng replied in a calm, detached tone, "It seems the Ministry of Justice grows ever more incompetent, only able to arrest irrelevant people to take the blame."

Lu Ziqing’s face turned ashen at these words, but he dared not retort. He alone knew how true the prince’s words were—the Ministry of Justice was indeed in dire straits, with few capable people left. That's why his father had arranged for him to take a post there; such a place would make outstanding achievements all the more apparent.

Yet, to be humiliated so publicly as the Deputy Minister of Justice—no one could stomach it, least of all the proud Lu Ziqing. His face shifted between anger and embarrassment before he spoke again after a brief silence. "This is no trivial case, Your Highness. I merely wish to leave no suspect unchecked. However, you just declared that Mo Xin is under your protection—what exactly do you mean by that?"

"If I say she is, then she is. Must I explain myself to you?" Meng Yuanheng’s tone remained icy.

Lu Ziqing was at a loss for words. Shen Qianmo, however, guessed that Prince Xuan had come to her aid. Though she couldn’t fathom his reasons, she wasn’t about to let such a golden opportunity slip by. If she were taken to the Ministry, should she reveal her real identity, or... No, the consequences were unthinkable.

She immediately stepped in front of Meng Yuanheng, bowed respectfully, and said, "Thank you, Your Highness, for coming to my rescue. Otherwise, I might have ended up like General Feng—eating prison rations for several days."

Feng Ze snorted at Lu Ziqing, who looked even more displeased. Still, he pressed Shen Qianmo, "Since you are with the House of Prince Xuan, why did you hide your identity and pretend to be Master Qin’s senior?"

Lu Ziqing was truly dogged—almost endearingly so. Shen Qianmo replied with a hint of exasperation, "Lord Lu, don’t you think my guise has only benefited the Ministry of Justice? Or do you not find it shameful that the esteemed Ministry lacks even a competent coroner and must seek outside help?"

After all, as Qin Lin’s disciple, she could be considered an insider; if word got out that the Ministry had to rely on outsiders due to a lack of qualified coroners, wouldn’t that be even more humiliating? Lu Ziqing found himself at a loss for words.

Shen Qianmo knew when to stop and bowed to Lu Ziqing. "I apologize for deceiving you, Lord Lu. You have my word—I will explain everything to you later. For now, let us focus on the case at hand."

Lu Ziqing had to admit she was right. After Feng Ze’s wrongful imprisonment had left Chu Pingchuan furious at the Ministry, he had submitted a scathing memorial to Emperor Mingde, criticizing Minister Dong Runian for poor management and the unresolved Du Yu impostor case. The Emperor had sharply rebuked Dong Runian at court, giving him half a month to solve the case or face severe punishment.

Known as the ever-smiling fox, Dong Runian had lost his composure under such pressure. Now, with the top scholar murdered in broad daylight, Lu Ziqing could not imagine what storms would follow.

Without delay, Lu Ziqing ordered the bodies of Li Wenzheng and the assassin to be removed and had several suspects taken in for questioning. He also ordered an immediate report up the chain of command—the matter was far beyond his authority.

On the way back to the Ministry, he invited Shen Qianmo to accompany him, trusting in her professional expertise, which he now desperately needed.

But since Prince Xuan had declared Mo Xin as his own, Lu Ziqing knew he had to seek the prince’s approval. He respectfully made his request to Meng Yuanheng.

Meng Yuanheng, however, did not look at him but turned to Shen Qianmo and said coolly, "Mo Xin may decide for herself. I will not interfere."

Surprised, Shen Qianmo glanced up at Meng Yuanheng. Since his appearance, she had avoided meeting his gaze, feeling guilty about her own secret. Did he know she was the eldest daughter of the Duke’s household—the very woman the emperor had betrothed to him? Why was he helping her? But when their eyes met, she realized she might be overthinking. His gaze was as cold and indifferent as before, as if nothing had happened.

Shen Qianmo shook her head, choosing to ignore the question. She was not one to be easily thwarted. Having already been rejected once, she had little fear of a second dismissal from the House of Prince Xuan.

A murder had unfolded before her very eyes, and as a professional in the judicial arts, she could not simply stand aside. After bidding farewell to Xie Mingyu and Feng Ze, she followed Lu Ziqing to the Ministry. She had already conducted a preliminary survey of the scene and examined the deceased. Now, all that remained was a detailed autopsy to confirm her suspicions.

On the way there, she glanced at a small slip of paper in her hand and smiled faintly. The note, slipped to her by the stone-faced bodyguard at Meng Yuanheng’s side, detailed Mo Xin’s background: from Shandong’s mysterious Mo family, masters of various arcane arts with countless disciples. What a perfect cover for herself! Prince Xuan’s arrangements were meticulous indeed, and Shen Qianmo found herself quietly impressed.