I am the champion of palace intrigue, and even the proud prince bows his head in submission.

Chapter 452 Qin Jiuwei understood

Meng Chen nodded vigorously.

“I have carefully compared the timeline and found that many rumors match up.”

"When you were rescued by the Meng family, it was shortly after the Crown Prince's murder. Your age is also similar to that of the Crown Prince. I dare say that this is no coincidence!"

Meng Ze frowned. "Back then, where did the eldest prince have his accident? Have you found out?"

"I have only been to the Summer Palace and investigated the matter of the child swap back then. As for the exact location where the eldest prince fell off the cliff, I have not yet had the chance to investigate it myself."

Meng Ze turned his gaze, "You will investigate this matter personally."

For the next few days, Meng Ze remained in the front courtyard of the Marquis's residence.

Every night, Xie Jue would pester him to do abacus problems together under the eaves, treating him like an abacus master.

Xie Jue was lively by nature and would pester him every day to see who could calculate faster.

If they lose, they angrily demand a rematch; if they win, they laugh triumphantly.

Meng Ze was naturally aloof and taciturn, but he was always surprisingly patient in front of this child.

Meng Chen, watching from the side, was utterly astonished.

At the same time, Meng Ze had already thoroughly investigated the situation of the entire Xie family.

It turns out that Xie Jue had two other children, but they were not his grandchildren.

They are the children of Xie Yanli's savior.

Xie Yanli couldn't bear to see them helpless and alone, so he adopted them and treated them as his own children.

His son was more benevolent than he had imagined.

Meanwhile, Meng Chen was not idle either.

He found out where the eldest prince fell off the cliff; it was not far from the Xie family's summer resort, next to a precipice.

Upon receiving the news, Meng Chen quickly reported the situation in detail.

After listening, Meng Ze said in a very low voice, "Let's find some time to go there ourselves."

-

On the training ground, swords flashed and energy surged.

Xie Jingchun and Chu Yi stopped their stance and stood still, the tips of their swords lightly touching the ground, raising a cloud of dust.

Both of them had a fine sheen of sweat on their foreheads.

Xie Jingchun casually sheathed his sword, patted Chu Yi on the shoulder, and said with a smile, "You were in good form today. Let's compete again next time. I have to go home early today."

Chu Yi asked casually, "Why?"

Xie Jingchun slung his handkerchief over his shoulder and walked toward the equipment rack, casually replying, "Lord Xie's birthday is coming soon, and I'd like to buy him a gift."

"Although I wasn't particularly close to my grandfather, I still had to show him the proper etiquette."

Chu Yi followed behind him, his fingertips tracing the hilt of his sword, and asked in a low voice, "May I attend Lord Xie's birthday banquet?"

Xie Jingchun turned to look at him, her eyes filled with undisguised gentleness and trust.

"of course can."

Chu Yi stood there, lowering his head to hide the turbulent emotions in his eyes, and softly replied, "Thank you."

Back at his residence, Xie Jingchun excitedly sought out Qin Jiuwei.

His brows and eyes still glistened with the sweat from martial arts practice. "Mother, may I bring Chu Yi with me to the birthday banquet tomorrow?"

Qin Jiuwei was carefully sketching the embroidery pattern at her desk when she heard this. She looked up and saw the bright, expectant look in his eyes, and couldn't help but chuckle.

“It’s perfectly normal for you to want to invite friends over, and we have no objection.”

Xie Jingchun was overjoyed upon hearing this, and his eyes shone even brighter.

The light and shadows flickered in the room. Qin Jiu raised her eyes slightly and looked at Xie Yanli, who was standing quietly to the side.

Their eyes met, and Xie Yanli remained silent for a moment before gently shaking his head.

Qin Jiuwei understood.

I'll tell him about Chu Yi later.

Xie Jingchun didn't notice the exchange of glances between the adults. He only felt a sense of relief, grinned, and replied, "Thank you, Mother! Thank you, Father!"

He bowed to the two men, turned and walked away quickly, feeling lighthearted.

On the day of the birthday banquet, the Marquis's mansion was decorated with lanterns and colorful streamers, and the house was filled with guests.

The front yard, back yard, and side hall were all adorned with bright red "longevity" characters, colorful ribbons hung high, and the sounds of orchestral music drifted from afar, creating a lively atmosphere.

Lord Xie sat in the main seat of the main hall, his face glowing and his spirits high.

A maid was already serving tea, and the steward was busy attending to guests who came and went in an endless stream, all of whom were prominent figures in the capital.

The children were the first to step forward.

Xie Jing, Xie Jingchun, and Xie Jue, all dressed in new clothes, walked to the front of the hall in order, performed a grand salute, and said in unison, "May our grandfather enjoy boundless happiness and longevity!"

Lord Xie smiled broadly, nodding repeatedly and stroking his beard as he said "good" with satisfaction.

Then, Qin Jiuwei and Xie Yanli stepped forward hand in hand.

Qin Jiuwei wore a scarlet long dress with gold brocade, her demeanor dignified, her eyes smiling. Xie Yanli wore a dark-patterned brocade robe, his posture upright.

The two bowed together, and Qin Jiuwei said gently, "May Father enjoy good health and longevity, be surrounded by children and grandchildren, and have lasting blessings."

Xie Yanli also bowed, showing respect and courtesy.

Meng Ze stood to one side of the crowd, dressed in a low-key blue robe, quietly hiding among the guests.

Upon hearing this, she couldn't help but purse her lips.

To see one's own son call someone else "father."

This taste... is so strange.