"Greetings to Prince Li and Madam."
Minister Hua bowed politely.
TanTan was still a little upset with Prince Li for avoiding their conversation earlier. However, she remembered that Minister Hua had come for the purpose they had discussed previously: arranging the delivery of the gift to the Great Queen Mother. For now, she decided to put her personal feelings aside and cooperate.
Prince Li acknowledged Minister Hua's presence.
"I never expected you to come in person so early just to handle such a small matter, Minister Hua."
"Let's just say this old man has too many worries. I came to make sure the journey goes smoothly as planned, without any unexpected problems."
"What a coincidence..." Prince Li smirked, his eyes fixed knowingly on Minister Hua. "I also have something important to report to the Emperor."
"Oh? What might that be? Does Your Highness have some good news for the Emperor?" Minister Hua asked boldly.
"..."
Prince Li hadn't answered when ManQi suddenly staggered into the room.
Everyone was shocked by his condition.
"What happened?!" Prince Li immediately asked.
ManQi collapsed in front of him. Using the last of his strength, he managed to deliver his report.
"Master... I'm sorry... I was careless... The Crown Prince... he... escaped..."
With that, ManQi lost consciousness.
"ManQi!"
Prince Li caught him before he could fall completely to the floor. He immediately checked ManQi's condition and noticed that his lips were turning black.
Poison!
"Quick! Uncle Tong! A Xing! Take him for treatment immediately!"
Uncle Tong and A Xing hurried forward to carry ManQi away.
TanTan had heard ManQi's final words.
Did he mean the Crown Prince escaped from prison? How is that possible?!
She was equally shocked.
On the other side, Minister Hua remained standing, seemingly confused by what had happened. However, there was something unusual in his eyes that didn't quite match his expression.
"Your Highness, what happened to him? Who has escaped?"
Prince Li turned toward him with a cold glare.
His fists clenched tightly.
Somehow, he suspected Minister Hua might have something to do with this incident. However, he had no evidence to support his suspicion.
Initially, Prince Li had intended to report the entire case to the palace. With the Crown Prince and his men in custody, he had hoped to expose their crimes and bring everyone involved to justice, including Minister Hua.
But now that the Crown Prince had escaped, things would become much more complicated.
Without the main suspect in custody, convincing the Emperor would be difficult. And Prince Li knew the Crown Prince would do everything in his power to cover up his crimes.
What if he starts eliminating the witnesses?
Prince Li's gaze shifted toward TanTan.
TanTan was also considering the situation.
The Crown Prince's escape meant he now had a chance to evade justice. And the first thing a criminal might do after escaping prison was seek revenge on those responsible for putting him there.
She instinctively glanced at Prince Li.
As the two exchanged worried looks, Minister Hua spoke again.
"Your Highness, from what I can see, you seem to have an urgent matter to attend to. Why don't you let my people handle the delivery? You can explain the situation to me while I take care of the arrangements."
Prince Li looked at him suspiciously.
With ManQi injured, he no longer had his most trusted aide available to oversee the delivery. Yet he couldn't simply hand the responsibility over to Minister Hua.
It seemed Minister Hua was taking advantage of the situation to put his own plans into action.
Meanwhile, the news of the Crown Prince's arrest had already been sent to the palace. Prince Li still needed to meet the Emperor and explain what had happened.
TanTan noticed that Prince Li seemed reluctant to proceed with the delivery.
But why? The Queen Mother's banquet is approaching. If we delay the delivery for too long, it might not arrive in time!
"Um... How about letting me handle the delivery?"
TanTan suddenly spoke up.
"No!"
Prince Li's immediate and firm refusal caught her off guard.
"Why not? ManQi is injured, but we can't delay the delivery. There isn't much time left before the banquet. Besides, it's my gift to the Queen Mother. I want to check it personally."
Minister Hua smiled and supported her suggestion.
"Young Lady Hua is indeed very thoughtful. Perhaps it would be better for her to accompany the delivery so she can personally inspect the gift and make sure everything is satisfactory. Don't worry about her safety. I guarantee that my people will protect her."
TanTan glanced at Prince Li.
His expression had become stiff and cold.
This woman... Is she really that thoughtless, or is she pretending?
Prince Li recalled his earlier suspicion that HuaMuTan might have some connection with Minister Hua.
Perhaps this is a good opportunity to discover her true intentions... But what if she's innocent and something happens to her?
After considering the situation, Prince Li finally spoke.
"Minister Hua, I think it would be better to postpone the delivery until we return from the palace."
"But—"
"No buts. You still need to accompany me to the palace. We'll discuss the delivery later."
His sharp tone stopped TanTan from continuing.
Prince Li then turned back to Minister Hua.
"I hope Minister Hua can understand the situation."
Minister Hua answered calmly.
"Of course. I'll follow Your Highness's arrangements. I'll inform my people to wait and prepare for the delivery tomorrow instead. I suppose we'll see each other again at the palace."
Prince Li remained wary, but he gave a slight gesture allowing Minister Hua to leave.
"That's right. See you at the palace, Minister Hua."
Minister Hua bowed to both Prince Li and TanTan before finally leaving the mansion.
Outside Li Mansion, Minister Hua was about to board his carriage when one of his servants approached him.
"Master, everything has been settled."
Minister Hua smirked.
"Good. Now, let's go to the palace. I'm curious to see how he'll handle this situation!"
Back inside the room, Prince Li was preparing to leave when TanTan suddenly reached out and stopped him by the arm.
"Do I really have to go to the palace with you?"
She was already worrying about what she might be expected to say in front of the Emperor and the other officials.
Prince Li sighed.
Truthfully, he didn't want her to go either.
He didn't want the Emperor or anyone else to discover why TanTan had been aboard that ship. The news that his wife had secretly sneaked out and become involved in an illegal operation would be humiliating, for him and also for Hua family good name. However, he couldn't leave her alone this time.
At least in the palace, he could keep her under his protection.
"Yes. You're coming with me. But you don't need to say anything. Just stay quiet and let me handle everything."
TanTan was confused.
If he doesn't want me to testify, why is he taking me along?
Still, staying behind would be pointless. Perhaps it would be better to go with him and see how things developed.
Then she remembered something else.
"Should A Xing come with us too?"
After all, A Xing was one of the victims and an important witness to the Crown Prince's cruelty. But with the Crown Prince now free, bringing her out might put her in danger.
TanTan couldn't help worrying that something might go wrong.
Prince Li shook his head.
"There are other girls who can testify. Besides, she said she wouldn't be able to contribute much because she cannot speak. She would rather stay here and serve you."
"I see..."
TanTan nodded, although she still found A Xing rather unusual for an ordinary servant.
"Let's go."
Prince Li turned and walked out of the room.
TanTan followed closely behind him.