Chen Xiaobei bowed again, "Liu Ce has already taken people to the inn to arrest his accomplices. I believe there will be results soon. Once this group is captured, the danger to Wannian City will be resolved."
Hearing Chen Xiaobei's words, Xiao An nodded slightly.
"Yes, the danger to Wannian City is resolved. After handling Jingyun's funeral, I will arrange the wedding for you and Jing Feng."
Mentioning Xiao Jingyun, the atmosphere became somewhat somber again.
Chen Xiaobei bowed, "Your Majesty, please take care of yourself. Your health is paramount. Please accept my condolences."
Xiao An waved his hand, and Chen Xiaobei and Zhou Quan retreated. Soon, Liu Ce arrived and reported to Chen Xiaobei.
"Young Master, Duobang's accomplices have all been apprehended. Six people were arrested at the inn, and his antidote has also been found."
He respectfully handed over the antidote. Looking at the small porcelain bottle, Chen Xiaobei was filled with mixed emotions. If Duobang had been found a day earlier, Crown Prince Xiao Jingyun might have been saved.
But now, Xiao Jingyun was dead. Even with the greatest skill, it was useless. However, he would keep this antidote for future use.
Meanwhile, in his study, Xiao An finally made up his mind. Now that the killer had been caught, the death of Crown Prince Xiao Jingyun could be announced.
The next morning, the news spread throughout the capital: Crown Prince Xiao Jingyun was assassinated and poisoned, and he had died from his injuries.
By midday, Duobang and his accomplices were bound to a carriage and paraded through Wannian City.
This was Chen Xiaobei's arrangement. Although Chen Xiaobei had promised Duobang he would try to spare his life, he knew it would be difficult to get Xiao An to agree. Therefore, he wanted Duobang to suffer first, and then he would work on Xiao An.
At the same time, in Liu Xiangnan's mansion, Liu Xiangnan was still struggling with whether to announce Liu Yuanwen's death.
After much thought, Liu Xiangnan finally decided to conceal Liu Yuanwen's death.
He summoned Liu Kai and said, "The Crown Prince's recent death has already caused unrest in the city. We should not make any more noise. Let's choose an auspicious day to send Yuanwen back to our ancestral home to be buried."
"Also, go and tell his two wives that Yuanwen is dead. If they wish to remarry, they can leave."
Liu Kai was very surprised by this. He looked at Liu Xiangnan with disbelief.
"Master, perhaps we should wait a little longer. It's possible one of the wives might be carrying the eldest son's child."
Liu Xiangnan waved his hand gently, "Alright, go and ask them first. If they want to leave, then there's no need to keep them."
While Liu Xiangnan was dealing with domestic affairs, a procession of horses slowly arrived at the east gate of Wannian City.
Leading the group was the young girl, followed by several guards who had accompanied them to Xiao Family Town. Behind them were two carriages, one carrying Fang Zheng and the other carrying Feng Pengju.
As soon as they entered Wannian City, the young girl felt that the atmosphere was a little off.
The people on the streets hurried along, and no one was making loud noises. White cloths were hung outside the doors of the wine shops along the street.
After walking for a while, the young girl reined in her horse and came to Fang Zheng's carriage. She lifted the curtain and said, "Grandpa, something seems wrong. Take a look."
Fang Zheng poked his head out and looked around. The scene before him shocked him. White cloths were hung outside many wine shops, inns, and stores on the street.
This was a national mourning.
Fang Zheng's heart sank.
Feng Pengju, seeing the carriage stop, also lifted the curtain of his carriage. He was surprised by what he saw and couldn't help but jump out and go to a nearby shop.
A shop assistant saw him arrive and cupped his hands, "Esteemed guest, please come in..."
Feng Pengju waved his hand, handed over some silver, and asked, "Shopkeeper, what is going on? Why have you all hung up white cloths..." This was from Sudan Novel Network.
The shop assistant paused, then looked at Feng Pengju. "Esteemed guest, you must be from out of town. Something major has happened in Wannian City recently. The Crown Prince was assassinated and poisoned, and a state funeral is about to be held!"
Upon hearing this, Feng Pengju's heart sank. He knew the Xiao family's situation well. They had only had one son for three generations, and Xiao An only had Xiao Jingyun.
Feng Pengju turned back to Fang Zheng, looking somewhat flustered. "Old Prime Minister, this is bad. The Crown Prince has met with misfortune!"
Fang Zheng was also taken aback. After a moment of thought, he sighed deeply, "Alas, it seems we have come at the right time. Let's go and get to the bottom of the situation first!"
Two old housekeepers had remained at Fang Zheng's mansion. They were very excited to see their master return.
Fang Zheng briefly settled in, changed his clothes, and along with Feng Pengju, left the mansion and headed for Liu Xiangnan's residence.
The guards at the gate recognized Fang Zheng and were quite surprised to see him. "Oh my, Old Prime Minister, why are you here?"
Hearing the guard's weary tone, Fang Zheng looked at him in surprise. "I wish to see Lord Liu. Is it convenient?"
The guard hesitated, "Old Prime Minister, please wait. I will go and inform him!"
At this time, Liu Xiangnan seemed to be in better spirits, perhaps due to some solace from the news of Liu Rumei. He had even eaten half a bowl of porridge that morning.
Liu Kai carefully served him, not daring to leave his side. At this moment, the guard entered and cupped his hands. "Master, Old Prime Minister Fang Zheng is outside and wishes to see you..."
Liu Xiangnan was also stunned. He turned to Liu Kai. "Didn't he retire and go home? Why has he suddenly returned..."
"Yes, Master. The Old Prime Minister left some time ago. It is said that he took Fang Jun and the young girl to Xiao Family Town to find Feng Xiaoyue. Shall I go and meet him..."
Liu Xiangnan waved his hand. "I have just resumed my official post. It would be discourteous to have my steward meet an old friend. Help me to the reception hall."
"Right, and you personally go and welcome him!"
Liu Kai agreed and retreated. Of course, he understood what "welcome" meant: first, find out why Fang Zheng was here, and second, give Fang Zheng a heads-up.
Liu Kai arrived at the main entrance and saw Fang Zheng and Feng Pengju. He quickly ran down the steps in small steps and bowed deeply. "Welcome, sirs!"
Liu Kai waved his hand. "We have both resigned from our official posts and are no longer 'sirs'. We are old friends of Lord Liu and have come to pay our respects."
Liu Kai stepped aside. "Please come in, sirs. My master is also waiting in the reception hall."
Fang Zheng and Feng Pengju entered Liu Xiangnan's courtyard. As soon as they entered, they felt something was wrong. White cloths were hung in prominent places throughout the courtyard, and the atmosphere was solemn.
Fang Zheng frowned. Logically, even though Crown Prince Xiao Jingyun was receiving a state funeral, it shouldn't have led to such a scene in the homes of all civil and military officials.