TSWRLM -Chapter 310 I Want Ten Pounds of Awaken Spirit Incense

Everyone in the Grand Tutor’s residence was taken to the Court of Justice, including Wei Lingze, who had gone to the Grand Tutor’s mansion.

The news quickly spread among the major families. Everyone was curious about what had happened at the Grand Tutor’s residence. Yet the Court of Justice was like a sealed iron barrel—no one could get even the slightest hint, and no information leaked out.

Madam Yun was extremely anxious when she heard the news. As soon as Father Wei returned home, she hurriedly asked, “Lord, did something happen at court today? Why did Shen Qingyuan suddenly take everyone from the Grand Tutor’s residence? Ze’er went to see A-Tang but hasn’t returned. Could something have gone wrong?”

Father Wei’s face was grave. He stared at Madam Yun for a long moment and asked, “Over the years, have you or your sister done any private dealings behind my back?”

Madam Yun’s heart skipped a beat. She quickly shook her head. “No, Lord. My sister and I only exchanged letters about family matters, never any private dealings. And A-Tang is someone with high principles; she doesn’t care about wealth or material possessions.”

Although she had had some disagreements with her sister before, Madam Yun instinctively defended Yun Wantang.

Seeing Father Wei’s expression remain serious, Madam Yun could not help asking, “Did A-Tang and my brother-in-law do something?”

“I don’t know,” Father Wei replied. “The Emperor summoned many ministers to the Imperial Study today, but he didn’t summon me.”

At first, Father Wei thought the Emperor might still be displeased with Wei Lingze’s conduct during the winter hunt. Now, hearing about the Grand Tutor’s residence being in trouble, he immediately realized something was wrong.

This time, the Grand Tutor’s residence had probably gotten into serious trouble.

Madam Yun grew fearful and clutched her handkerchief. “Over the years, I’ve corresponded frequently with A-Tang, but Ze’er hasn’t had much contact with the Grand Tutor’s residence. Besides, he was sick for three years. Even if something had happened there, he wouldn’t have been involved.”

Father Wei knew she was telling the truth. After a long silence, he looked at Madam Yun again. “Since returning from Wengzhou, did Ze’er say anything to you?”

On the day of the welcome banquet, Li Jixian had brought two flashy women into the Wei residence and behaved scandalously. Afterward, Father Wei wanted to ask Wei Lingze about his trip to Wengzhou, but Madam Yun had stopped him.

Madam Yun had tried to ask Wei Lingze herself later, but the room was always closed, and he refused to speak.

Increasingly worried, Madam Yun shook her head. “No. Since returning, Ze’er has mostly stayed alone in his room and hasn’t wanted to see anyone.”

“Then why did he go to the Grand Tutor’s residence today?”

Father Wei was not satisfied with Madam Yun’s answer and raised his voice. Madam Yun pressed her lips together, unable to answer.

She only learned after the incident that Wei Lingze had gone to the Grand Tutor’s residence and didn’t know why.

Seeing this, Father Wei scolded angrily, “You know nothing at all! How can you run the household like this?”

Madam Yun’s face burned, and she could not reply.

At the same time, at Prince Ying’s mansion:

Lanshu appeared before Prince Ying as usual, all decked out.

“My lord…”

Before he could bow, Prince Ying asked urgently, “Shen Qingyuan has taken everyone from the Grand Tutor’s residence. Did you learn anything?”

“Huh? Really?” Lanshu feigned surprise. Seeing Prince Ying’s stern look, he quickly added, “I heard that the Fourth Young Master of the Grand Tutor’s residence went to the Shen mansion to cause trouble—not only trying to snatch a child but also wanting someone to harm Madam Shen. Lord Shen probably acted to protect Madam Shen.”

Prince Ying sneered. “Cao Chun Xi isn’t hurt at all. Even if Shen Qingyuan wants to protect her, there’s no reason to take everyone from the Grand Tutor’s residence. Can your pig brain think straight?”

Lanshu didn’t mind being scolded. He thought for a moment and said, “Lord Shen has investigated cases in Jingzhao Prefecture for years. He might have learned some secrets about the Grand Tutor’s residence. Now is the perfect time to settle accounts. Although Princess Baohua died because of the Awaken Spirit incense, the real owner behind Wuyou Pavilion is His Highness the Crown Prince. Lord Shen wouldn’t dare investigate the Crown Prince, right?”

Hearing the Crown Prince’s name, Prince Ying relaxed a little.

Indeed, with the Crown Prince backing Wuyou Pavilion, even if the Awaken Spirit incense was discovered following Princess Baohua’s death, no one would dare pursue the matter further.

Seeing Prince Ying’s expression soften, Lanshu continued, “Actually, I think this incident at the Grand Tutor’s residence is good for Your Highness.”

Prince Ying raised his eyes, signaling her to continue.

Lanshu sat opposite him. “Lord Li clearly knows how to produce more incense but has kept it hidden from Your Highness. Now that the Grand Tutor’s residence has been struck by misfortune, Your Highness can use this opportunity to make them hand over the methods of planting and making the incense. Then all the future profits will belong solely to Your Highness.”

This pleased Prince Ying greatly.

His mother was only a common noblewoman without family support. Though he was made a prince, he was practically idle, with far fewer resources than Princess Hengyang. If he didn’t find ways to earn money himself, he might live worse than the young masters of the prominent families.

The Awaken Spirit incense was incredibly potent—once used, people would crave it endlessly. It could be called a money-making treasure.

Partnering with Li Huaijing meant taking the big share, but who would complain about more money?

Moreover, since Li Huaijing had lied first, Prince Ying could not be blamed for being ruthless.

Prince Ying pondered for a moment and then said, “Return to Wuyou Pavilion and keep watch. Report any changes immediately.”

“Yes,” Lanshu replied quickly, then reminded, “The second batch of goods is almost sold out. Your Highness must make a decision soon.”

After speaking, Lanshu left.

Outside the mansion, as soon as Lanshu got into the carriage, Xiao Yecheng pressed his sword against her neck.

Lanshu quickly raised her hands. “Master, I’ve explained everything. I spoke to the prince exactly as you instructed. Please, keep me—can you at least put the sword away?”

“No. I don’t trust you.”

For several days, Shen Qingyuan was busy with investigations and had no time to return home. Many people seeking news kept approaching Cao Chun Xi.

Cao Chun Xi simply closed the gates and focused on her pregnancy.

That day, while playing with An’an, A-Li suddenly reported, “Madam, something’s wrong. Second Young Master Shen ran into a pillar at the gate.”

Shen Qingyue?

Cao Chun Xi handed An’an to Nanny Li and followed A-Li outside. “Is he dead? Why would he run into a pillar for no reason?”

“He’s not dead, but he hit it hard. He’s already been taken back to Huichuntang. He was shouting to see Madam, and the gatekeepers said you’ve been seeing no visitors. Then he just ran into the pillar. I don’t know why.”

“….”

Cao Chun Xi was speechless. She gathered a few guards and rode quickly to Huichuntang.

By the time she arrived, Shen Qingyue was awake. His head was bloodied, yet he was not weak at all. Somehow, he had an iron awl and was holding a child hostage, shouting loudly.

“I want to see Cao Chun Xi! Bring Cao Chun Xi to me immediately!”

Cao Chun Xi pushed through the crowd. “I’m here. Second brother, you can speak now.”

She realized Shen Qingyue was somewhat deranged, but his next words were even crazier:

“Give me Awaken Spirit incense! I want ten pounds of Awaken Spirit incense!”