Chapter 117: A Slip of the Tongue

Ninth Prince stayed at the Tenth Prince’s residence that night, where he spent hours organizing the search routes the Tenth Prince had followed over the past few months. Ninth Prince realized the Tenth had truly put his heart into the search; on the small map, the inner city, the outer city, the suburban manors, and even the national and provincial highways within a forty-mile radius were densely marked with circles.

Ninth Prince felt that either Yan Yan had already left the capital, or she was simply too clever. No, it was more accurate to say she had always been brilliant—certainly with an intellect far surpassing that of the Tenth Prince. She had managed to evade every one of his search routes so cleanly that Ninth Prince couldn't help but feel a grudging admiration.

Seeing the heavy expression on Ninth Prince’s face, the Tenth Prince patted his shoulder reassuringly. "Ninth Brother, do not worry too much. For now, no news is good news. Sister-in-law Yan and the children will surely be safe and sound." Watching the Tenth Prince, Ninth Prince sighed again. It was clear the boy had tried his best, and he could not bring himself to be too hard on him.

Years later, when the Tenth Prince accidentally discovered what the Ninth had been thinking at that moment, he was so infuriated that he refused to give the Ninth a pleasant look for an entire month. Of course, that is a story for another time; for now, the Tenth Prince remained blissfully unaware that his beloved brother had looked down on his intelligence, and he continued to actively offer advice on how the Ninth might escape Concubine Yi’s scolding the following day.

Early the next morning, Ninth Prince headed to the palace, knowing he had to appease Concubine Yi. As expected, she did not greet him warmly. She circled him several times, her expression one of disappointment, before tapping him on the forehead. "What am I to say to you? You are no longer a child; how could you let such a thing happen in your own household?"

Ninth Prince did not wish to argue. He replied with a weary, defeated air, "Mother, there is no need for you to trouble yourself with my affairs. In a few days, I shall have the Yan woman come to the palace to pay her respects." Hearing this, Concubine Yi flared up in anger. "Pay her respects? I do not have the fortune for that. From now on, handle your concubine however you like, but do not bring her before me. The mere sight of her irritates me."

Ninth Prince gave a sheepish smile and hurried to seat Concubine Yi. "Mother, Yan is truly very well-behaved. After all, she bore two young princes for me, which has given me great standing. Even if you do not care for her, consider the children and do not hold a grudge."

Concubine Yi looked at him with suspicion. Speaking so highly of a concubine was not at all in the Ninth Prince’s style, nor was it something a prince ought to do. Her face hardened, and her tone deepened. "Yintang, I must warn you. While we Manchus may be lenient on many things, your Imperial Father holds Han culture in high regard. He would not be pleased to see his own son violating the Three Fundamental Bonds and Five Constant Virtues, inviting public scorn."

Observing her expression, Ninth Prince felt she was overreacting. He laughed, "Yes, Mother, rest assured, I know my limits." Concubine Yi glanced at him once more, retorting, "Mind your own business. I do not wish to hear of you reprimanding Lady Donggo again."

Ninth Prince agreed, a look of relief finally washing over his face. He knew he had passed the test with Concubine Yi, and that the Empress Dowager would likely not make things too difficult for him. Indeed, the Empress Dowager only offered a slight show of concern and urged him to bring them back as soon as possible to avoid any mishaps.

Ninth Prince readily promised, then hurriedly knelt and took his leave, eager to return to his residence to investigate what had truly occurred. To his surprise, the Fourteenth Prince intercepted him, pouring out a stream of concern before finally saying, "Ninth Brother, I heard that the Third Gege in your household had the smallpox vaccination recently. They say the vaccine strain was excellent; would you introduce me to the source?"

Ninth Prince looked at him in confusion. "My Third Gege had the vaccination?" The Fourteenth nodded vigorously, casting a look of disdain at his brother. "Ninth Brother, don't tell me you didn't know about such a major event. If I may say so, your heart is too biased! You cannot be so focused on finding your sister-in-law that you neglect the children’s most important matters!"

Due to the terror of the smallpox virus, vaccinations in this era were monumental events. They usually required the presence of high-ranking officials and the offering of prayers to the Smallpox Goddess before the procedure could begin.

Ninth Prince found it deeply strange that he had not been notified of such a significant event in his own household. He gave a vague reply to the Fourteenth and rushed back to his residence. Upon entering, he saw Head Eunuch Wang waiting for him, but Lady Donggo and the others were nowhere to be seen. He learned that the Eighth Princess Consort was visiting, and Lady Donggo was occupied with hosting her.

After a moment's thought, Ninth Prince ordered Wang Quan to head to the courtyard of the Wanyan woman. Wang Quan’s eyes widened, unable to fathom his master's intentions, but he had no intention of dissuading him—the inner courtyard belonged to the Ninth Prince, and he could go where he pleased.

However, Head Eunuch Wang interjected, "Reporting to the Ninth Prince, the Third Gege has been running a fever for several days. A physician has already been called to examine her, and he says it may be the onset of smallpox." Ninth Prince narrowed his eyes, his gaze turning dangerous. "Was it not said that the Third Gege had already been vaccinated?"

Head Eunuch Wang looked at the Ninth Prince with trembling fear and uttered a sentence that even surprised Wang Quan: "Yes, it was done during the few days that the Secondary Consort went missing." Ninth Prince was completely stunned. He stared at the eunuch for a long time, but the man kept his head bowed, refusing to meet his master's eyes again.

Following this revelation, Ninth Prince did not go to the Wanyan woman’s courtyard but instead wandered toward the Qimeng Garden. The garden was now empty; ever since the incident, Lady Donggo had ordered everyone to move out, and after tearing through Yan Yan’s belongings, she had locked the gates.

Of course, a lock was no obstacle for the Ninth Prince. He soon found himself inside the Qimeng Garden, where everything lay in disarray, causing his brow to furrow even deeper. He saw the crystal glasses Yan Yan had meticulously collected shattered across the floor, and the bead curtains she loved lying in the dust. Upstairs, clothes were strewn everywhere. It seemed Yan Yan had left in such a hurry that many of her trinkets remained in their boxes, as if the owner had never intended to leave.

Ninth Prince sighed deeply and pushed open the balcony door. This was the place where he had most enjoyed watching the sunset with her. Now, the scenery remained, but the woman was nowhere to be found.

He turned away, feeling a wave of desolation, when his gaze fell upon a half-burnt object in the corner of the balcony. Curious, he picked it up. It was a piece of clothing. Ninth Prince felt a sense of bewilderment; he could not fathom why this garment was here.