Chapter 32: A Thorough Exposure of Whereabouts

Since then, Prince Xuexing had become even more reckless. So far, thirty parents of students had fallen victim to him, without exception all of whom had suddenly become single mothers.

As the last sentence fell, a long silence settled over the room, though these words screamed loudly in everyone’s hearts.

“For the past two years, Qingyuan and I have tried countless methods, but this matter could never be made known beyond Lanjing City. Just recently, yesterday in fact, Qingyuan was nearly killed. Fortunately, I was nearby and saved her in time,” Tian Lingchuan continued.

“Your Highness, today’s plan was mine. I spotted you at the city gate and lured Ma San and the others into the city’s largest hotel. I am but a commoner, my life insignificant, but I beg you to seek justice for the children who have lost their parents,” Shui Qingyuan said tearfully, her voice filled with a desperate resolve.

Xue Qinghe made no effort to conceal his presence, so being discovered was expected.

Wang Dong’s face remained expressionless as he said coldly, “Bring me the information on those victimized students.”

Though unaware of Wang Dong’s identity, Tian Lingchuan hurriedly handed over a thick stack of documents and then knelt again, showing his determination.

Xue Qinghe did not glance at the documents in Wang Dong’s hand but took a deep breath and asked, “Do you have any evidence for what you claim?”

Tian Lingchuan’s breathing faltered briefly, and silence fell once more.

“Your Highness, I personally infiltrated their group. Ma San and the others are the proof,” Shui Qingyuan said.

Xue Qinghe stood up and approached them, speaking calmly, “But Ma San was killed by you, wasn’t he?”

Wang Dong remained seated on the sofa, his expression cold as he warned, “If you don’t tell the truth, then leave.”

Though young, their words instantly unsettled Shui Qingyuan and Tian Lingchuan.

Suddenly, a childlike but defiant voice rang out from behind, “You’re not allowed to bully my mom!”

Wang Dong glanced over—it was Shui Bing’er.

“Quiet!” Shui Qingyuan quickly tried to stop her.

“My mom is a good person! She takes care of the older girls day and night. Even when she’s sick, she never rests. I won’t let you bully her!”

The girl’s stubborn voice emerged, clearly frightened by the two imposing figures before her, yet determined to speak her mind.

Wang Dong’s heart softened. He glanced at Xue Qinghe but said nothing.

“Your Highness, my child is young and outspoken. Please forgive him,” Shui Qingyuan hurriedly bowed in apology.

Xue Qinghe simply closed his eyes.

Wang Dong sighed softly, “You care so little for life, how are you different from those who forcibly take women from the people?”

Tian Lingchuan instinctively looked at Xue Qinghe, who remained with eyes closed, confirming that today’s scheme had likely been exposed.

“Your Highness, how… how did you find out?”

Xue Qinghe slowly opened his eyes. “I will investigate the disappearances of the parents at Tianshui Academy. But the plans you laid today…”

Before he finished, Tian Lingchuan interrupted, “Your Highness! Everything today was my design, unrelated to Qingyuan and her daughter. Please do not blame them! The officials do nothing, and the Martial Soul Hall feigns ignorance. We had no choice but to take this desperate measure. I am willing to bear all the blame. Please spare this mother and daughter.”

“No, Brother Tian, don’t forget you still have the Tianshui Academy!” Shui Qingyuan added hurriedly. “I only ask you to take care of Bing’er. She’s gifted, but my soul power is too weak to cultivate. I must entrust her to you.”

At these words, Wang Dong and Xue Qinghe exchanged a quick glance, a crucial piece of information flashing between them.

“Mom…”

“Qingyuan…”

Tian Lingchuan and Shui Qingyuan spoke simultaneously, causing Wang Dong to frown slightly.

Noticing Wang Dong’s expression, Xue Qinghe said, “You may leave for now. We will discuss this matter later.”

“Your…” Tian Lingchuan wanted to say more, but Shui Qingyuan stopped him. “We take our leave.”

Outside the hotel, Tian Lingchuan asked, puzzled, “Qingyuan, why didn’t you let me finish?”

Shui Qingyuan squeezed Shui Bing’er’s hand and looked toward the hotel suite. “His Highness’s patience is already stretched thin, and this was a private trip. We must not overreach.”

She recalled everything that had happened in the hotel today. “Is everything ready for Old San’s funeral?”

Tian Lingchuan fell silent upon hearing the name, then replied, “It was prepared long ago and secretly sent to the academy.”

“That’s good. The person said that His Highness is heading to the far north. Once he leaves, Old San will receive a proper burial,” Shui Qingyuan said, smoothing her sleeve and speaking solemnly.

Behind them, Shui Bing’er watched coldly, no longer showing the dependent child she had been moments before.

In the hotel room, Wang Dong and Xue Qinghe finally had their second meal of the day.

Seeing Wang Dong eating heartily, Xue Qinghe instructed the black-clad guard, “Inform Sect Leader Ning about tonight’s events.”

“Yes, sir!” The guard obeyed, about to leave when Xue Qinghe added, “Wait. Have the kitchen prepare ten more portions of tonight’s dishes and pack them up for delivery.”

Wang Dong glanced at Xue Qinghe and continued eating.

The guard hesitated a moment but nodded, “Yes!”

Silence returned to the room, even the sounds of eating were faint.

Shortly after, the packed meals arrived, and Wang Dong made no fuss, placing them all into the butterfly-shaped brooch Xue Qinghe had given him.

After finishing, Qingluan appeared. “Young master, the investigation is complete.”

Wang Dong sipped the milk tea prepared by Xue Qinghe as he listened to Qingluan’s report.

“Ma San’s real name was Ma Lao San. He was a groom at Tianshui Academy, always alone. After Shui Qingyuan arrived, Ma Lao San was once helped by her and has since been utterly devoted to her.”

Wang Dong’s understanding deepened—they were all in cahoots.

From the start, Ma San was stalling for time, waiting for their arrival. Shui Qingyuan was not a soul master, and no matter how talented Shui Bing’er was, she was still just a child.

This entire affair was a play they had orchestrated themselves.

Wang Dong shook his head and finished the last sip of his milk tea. “Tsk tsk tsk, someone who is both young master and crown prince has his whereabouts exposed so completely.”

A blatant mockery.

Xue Qinghe’s face darkened instantly but could not deny it.

Shui Qingyuan and the others could not have arranged everything in such a short time unless his movements had already been compromised.

Wang Dong yawned and stood up. “I’m tired. We’ll discuss this tomorrow.”

At that moment, a faint sound came from outside the window, drawing everyone’s attention.

...

End of chapter.