“It matters,” Lin Qingyue said. “Even though you’re currently a cat, your soul remains human, and your humanity hasn’t vanished. Therefore, appearances are merely deceptive. I can see you carry a strong golden aura of virtue and… imperial destiny.”
Dongfang Yan also possessed imperial destiny, though it was faint—far less concentrated than this cat’s.
Lin Qingyue stated with certainty, “You must be of royal birth, and of the direct lineage.”
In that instant, under Lin Qingyue’s smiling gaze, he felt the embarrassment of having every secret laid bare.
But since he’d been seen through, he decided there was no point in hiding anything anymore.
The tabby cat stood upright on its hind legs and bowed solemnly to Lin Qingyue: “Dongfang Qi thanks the young lady for saving my life!”
Dongfang Qi!
So it was him!
The current Crown Prince of Great Qi, the Emperor’s only son.
One year ago, he had disappeared during an incognito inspection tour, his fate unknown.
The Qi Emperor remained tight-lipped about the Crown Prince’s situation. Rumors spread among the people that the Prince had died, while others claimed he was merely gravely ill.
Until six months ago, when the Emperor summoned the eight princes to the capital and entrusted them with important duties. This further confirmed public speculation that the Crown Prince had met with misfortune and the heir apparent would soon be replaced.
Who would have thought that Crown Prince Dongfang Qi had turned into… a tabby cat.
Lin Qingyue looked at the cat before her—its fur dull and lackluster, head wrapped in bandages, yet standing up and bowing solemnly like a human—it was truly absurd.
Just then, a maid’s voice came from outside the door: “Your Highness, Xie Shouzheng of the Xuanjing Office requests an audience. Shall I admit him?”
Your Highness?
The tabby cat lost its balance on its hind legs and tumbled off the couch.
Ignoring the pain, it scrambled upright, full of vigilance: “You’re a Princess Consort? Which prince’s consort are you?”
Last night, he had been too severely injured and unconscious to see Dongfang Yan.
Now his mind rapidly reviewed the titles of all eight princes. Regardless of which one it was, if any discovered his identity as the Crown Prince, they would surely eliminate him without hesitation.
After all, only with the Crown Prince thoroughly dead could those princes qualify to claim the throne.
“Have Xie Shouzheng wait in the main hall,” Lin Qingyue instructed the person outside before giving the cat a brief glance and opening the door to leave.
The cat padded cautiously out the door, looking around to find a quiet but somewhat secluded small courtyard. There were neither guards nor maidservants.
From any perspective, it didn’t resemble the proper accommodations befitting a legitimate Princess Consort.
Lifting its eyes to watch the retreating figure ahead, it quickly made up its mind and dashed forward on all fours, swiftly catching up.
“Why are you following me? Aren’t you afraid I’ll harm you?”
“If you meant me harm, you wouldn’t have waited until now. My earlier behavior was inappropriate—my apologies.”
“Heh…”
At this time, Dongfang Yan was not at the residence. When Xie Shouzheng arrived unannounced, the estate steward initially intended to decline the visitor.
But Lin Qingyue’s maid came with instructions: “Her Highness requests Lord Xie’s presence in the main hall.”
The steward hesitated, considering sending someone to seek the Prince’s approval, but Xie Shouzheng had already pushed his way in shamelessly:
“This official seeks audience with Her Highness. It matters not that His Highness is absent. Please step aside, Steward.”
After waiting briefly in the main hall, Lin Qingyue arrived.
Xie Shouzheng had visited numerous noble households and witnessed the dignified entourages of many titled ladies.
But none were like Lin Qingyue—holding such high status yet accompanied by only one young maid, appearing even less impressive than merchant families.
Oh, wait—she also had a cat.
Xie Shouzheng’s gaze lowered, settling on the tabby cat.
The cat was extremely emaciated, its spine faintly visible along its back. Its fur was dull, and a bandage was wrapped around its head.
Despite such a pitiful state, its large, round eyes were exceptionally bright and spirited, gleaming with life.
He was watching the cat, and the cat was watching him.
Unlike the timid and cowardly nature of ordinary cats, this one carried an air of disdainful superiority—like a high-ranking official observing a lowly servant.
It even evoked the absurd illusion that one might want to kowtow to the cat.
Xie Shouzheng couldn’t help but wonder: Why would I, an official, have such a… utterly ridiculous thought about a cat?
After Lin Qingyue sat down, she noticed the steward still lingering and couldn’t resist questioning him: “Zhao An, do you also spy like this when the prince receives guests?”
Steward Zhao was about to explain that for the safety and reputation of the princess consort, he must remain in attendance.
But before he could speak, Lin Qingyue coldly snapped: “Get out.”
Steward Zhao’s heart jolted, and he hastily bowed and retreated.
Once outside the hall, he still felt puzzled: How was I so intimidated? Isn’t it said that the princess consort is a country girl with little worldly experience? Yet where did that awe-inspiring aura just now come from?
Xie Shouzheng stopped looking at the cat, composed himself, and bowed to Lin Qingyue: “The princess consort truly has remarkable methods. In just a few days since marrying into the prince’s estate, you’ve managed everything in perfect order.”
Lin Qingyue replied indifferently: “Speak plainly. Don’t waste time.”
Xie Shouzheng said: “Strange occurrences have happened at the Changning Hou estate. The eldest son of the Hou estate—your brother—was missing all last night. This morning, he was found on the streets, acting insane and begging people to beat him. Are you aware of this, Princess Consort?”
Lin Qingyue raised an eyebrow and chuckled lightly: “Is that so? I never knew my brother had such masochistic tendencies. I’m afraid Lord Xie must find this amusing.”
Xie Shouzheng cut straight to the point: “Are you truly unaware of this matter, Princess Consort?”
Lin Qingyue shook her head: “I don’t know.”
Xie Shouzheng continued: “I heard that yesterday, during your bridal return, the second young lady of the Hou estate developed sores in her mouth that even the imperial physicians couldn’t treat. Soon after, the young master of the Hou estate also encountered trouble. Don’t you think it’s all too coincidental?”
“In noble families, there are plenty of dirty deeds. Who knows when retribution might strike? As for me…”
Lin Qingyue smiled carelessly, “I merely happened to be present at the right time.”
Xie Shouzheng said: “What a coincidence! Princess Consort of Jin, let’s speak frankly. This official has already visited your maternal home to examine your brother’s condition. He is indeed possessed by an evil spirit.”
“This official only wishes to know: is this evil spirit related to you? Or, as with the incident involving Princess Qing An, did you give it the opportunity to cause trouble?”
“The capital lies at the feet of the Son of Heaven. Though my abilities are modest, I cannot stand by and watch demons and monsters wreak havoc without taking action!”
He spoke with righteous conviction, but Lin Qingyue responded with disdain: “If I wanted to cause trouble, I wouldn’t be here listening to your nonsense.”
Xie Shouzheng added: “I’ve heard that you are on poor terms with your family. If it were merely ordinary disputes and quarrels, this official naturally wouldn’t interfere. But the second young lady’s mouth sores and the young master’s possession clearly exceed normal bounds. As a Demon Discernment Envoy of the Xuanjing Office, I…”
“What happened to the second young lady of the Hou estate?” Accompanied by a cold, questioning voice, Dongfang Yan strode briskly into the room.
The deep purple official robe still carried the chill of the night.