Time Travel: Pampered by the Aloof Prince-Chapter 390: Heard that the Commandery Princess Likes Martial Arts Training?

Chapter 390: Chapter 390: Heard that the Commandery Princess Likes Martial Arts Training?

Shen Xiheng had sat in the teahouse for a while before he put down his teacup, arose gracefully, and descended the stairs.

He stood in front of the residence of the eldest prince, looked up to survey it, then spoke to the guard at the door, "Please inform him that I have urgent matters to discuss with the prince."

The visit of the envoy from Dazhao was no secret in Tulan; it had already spread widely.

While the general populace was not aware of the other reasons, Shen Xiheng had still been seen by many as he came and went from the hostel daily.

Seeing the man in front of him dressed in blue robes, carrying an air of distinction, and looking unlike a local from Tulan, the guard guessed his identity and politely said, "I will go now, please, Lord Shen, wait a moment."

Shortly after, the guard emerged, accompanied by the steward of the residence.

The steward was an elderly man with white hair and gentle eyes, who respectfully bowed and said, "Lord Shen, please follow me."

Shen Xiheng followed him into the residence.

As they walked, he was subtly observing everything around him.

Compared to the resplendent sight of the second prince’s residence, the eldest prince’s was much more understated, filled as it was with lush trees, flower beds, and a few strategically placed rockeries.

It looked less like a prince’s residence and more like the home of a scholar or a refined individual.

The steward, stooped, led the way ahead, occasionally using his aged voice to describe some of the scenic features within the Prince Residence.

Shen Xiheng listened quietly, taking note of each detail he mentioned.

The steward brought him to the front of a study, first reported to someone inside, and then opened the door to usher him in.

After exchanging greetings with the eldest prince and the State Preceptor, Shen Xiheng had just sat down when he heard Jiutu’s somewhat mocking tone, "It seems Lord Shen has been quite idle of late."

He smiled, looked at Jiutu, and responded in a calm voice, "Isn’t the State Preceptor as well?"

Jiutu’s expression faded slightly, but he said no more.

The eldest prince timely interjected, smoothing things over, and asked Shen Xiheng, "May I know what matters brought Lord Shen to seek me today?"

Shen Xiheng looked at the genteel eldest prince and replied with a light smile, "Nothing urgent, only that today Princess Qiya invited the Commandery Princess into the palace, and I found myself idle, so I thought to visit Your Highness."

The prince, upon hearing this, smiled and said, "It is rare for Lord Shen to be so thoughtful."

Shen Xiheng had been observing his expressions and noticed that the prince always had a serene smile, giving nothing away.

The room fell silent for a moment before the eldest prince looked at Shen Xiheng with concern and asked, "Is there any news of the Prince and his wife?"

Shen Xiheng slightly raised an eyebrow, thinking to himself that this prince was much smarter than the second prince.

If he had asked this, it would seem like an accusation.

But by mentioning it himself, the prince made it appear unrelated to him, allowing him to ask openly.

However, Shen Xiheng noticed a momentary lapse in Jiutu’s expression as the prince finished his sentence.

He sighed and said in a somber tone, "None yet, it’s said that the second prince has already sent people to look for them, but so far, there has been no news."

The prince also shook his head then advised, "The Prince and his wife are blessed; surely nothing will happen to them. Lord Shen, do not worry too much."

Shen Xiheng nodded slightly, then turned to Jiutu and asked, "What does the State Preceptor think about this matter?"

Jiutu replied indifferently, "Perhaps the prince and his wife had some urgent matters to attend to and could not inform anyone. In time, they will return."

Shen Xiheng’s eyes slightly hardened as he chuckled lightly, "The State Preceptor seems very certain."

Jiutu averted his eyes, remaining silent.

Shen Xiheng knew he had said all he could, and did not dwell further on these words.

He was still not sure where exactly Jiutu stood, or what his intentions were in making this statement.

But it ultimately gave him a clue.

It seemed that the disappearance of Prince Qi and Princess Qi was indeed orchestrated by someone.

Moreover, Jiutu’s words also hinted at another meaning, that Qi Yu and Li Mingjue were still alive.

But upon learning this news, Shen Xiheng’s mood did not lighten much.

What exactly did Jiutu mean by "after some time"? How long was that?

And, "something important"—what was it exactly?

The person behind the scenes had taken them to a place where no one could find them, but to what end?

Shen Xiheng reviewed the questions in his mind one by one. Although there had been a breakthrough in the case, his vision was still shrouded in fog, and he could see nothing clearly.

However, he was not entirely without recourse.

At least, he knew that one person must be deeply related to this affair.

The Saintess.

Inside the Tulan Imperial Palace, Shi Zhou was led to the Imperial Garden, where Princess Qiya and the Empress were admiring the flowers.

Seeing her, Princess Qiya warmly waved and called out, "Sister Shi Zhou, come look at this flower!"

Shi Zhou was not particularly interested in flowers, but it was hard for her to decline, so she moved forward a few steps, stood beside her, and looked at the flower she was pointing to, saying indifferently, "It’s blooming nicely."

Qiya was taken aback; she had thought Shi Zhou would offer some praise, but after a while, she only heard that bland comment.

The smile on the Empress’s face faded slightly as she looked at Shi Zhou and asked, "I heard the Commandery Princess enjoys martial training?"

Shi Zhou nodded and succinctly said, "Yes."

No sooner had she spoken than an excited yet somewhat aggrieved look came across Qiya’s face as she looked at the Empress, "I also like martial training, but father and mother won’t allow it."

The Empress touched her head with a loving look, "What good is there in constant fighting? You’re a princess; there’s no need for that."

Qiya pursed her lips, her face showing some defiance, but she dared not contradict.

Shi Zhou stood by, silently watching the interaction between mother and daughter.

The words of the Empress sounded gentle but were actually sharp, with undertones that subtly mocked her.

If others were unkind to her, she saw no reason to degrade herself.

After admiring the flowers for a while longer, Shi Zhou was already growing impatient, her eyelids drooping in disinterest.

The Empress glanced at her and suddenly asked, "Is the Commandery Princess feeling tired?"

Qiya also looked at her curiously.

Shi Zhou’s eyes narrowed slightly, and she said wearily, "Not really, just somewhat bored."

Her comment made it difficult for the Empress to maintain her composure, and she said indifferently, "Since the Commandery Princess finds it boring, let’s call it a day."

With that, she turned and called to a palace maid standing not far off, "Come, escort the Commandery Princess out of the palace."

Qiya hurriedly interrupted her, "Mother, it’s not easy for the Commandery Princess to come to the palace, how can we let her leave just like that?"

Shi Zhou was eager to leave, and upon hearing this, she frowned.

However, Qiya looked at her brightly and suggested, "Since the Commandery Princess likes martial training, why don’t we go to the archery range and have a look around?"

The Empress knew her intentions and feigned reprimand before turning to Shi Zhou, asking, "What does the Commandery Princess think?"

Shi Zhou slightly raised her eyes, swept a glance at them, and scoffed lightly, "Sure."

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