When Thrones Collide, Hearts Unite

Chapter 18- Fun is Overrated 2

"Ignore? How can I ignore that? Someone might have died! That's huge!" she whispered fiercely, half-turning back to steal another glance at the maids, who had quickly bowed their heads and scattered upon seeing the prince.

Yu'er gasped softly. "They ran away. That means they're definitely hiding something!"

Ji Ling shot her a sidelong look, the kind that silenced her instantly.

"...Fine," she muttered with a pout, "but don't expect me not to find out later."

They continued in silence until they reached the Crown Prince's chambers. The guards outside immediately bowed.

"Your Highness, the second prince has arrived," an attendant announced, pulling the doors open.

Inside, Ji Xingling stood near the window, dressed in a deep navy robe, his expression calm but sharp. His hands were clasped behind his back, his gaze focused on the scroll spread across the table.

Ji Ling stepped forward and bowed slightly. "Big brother."

Ling Yu'er lingered by the doorway, her eyes darting between the two brothers, still distracted by the maids' gossip echoing in her head.

Inside the chamber, the air was heavier than the soft morning breeze outside. The Crown Prince's study was lined with shelves of scrolls, maps, and ledgers, the faint scent of ink lingering.

Ji Xingling didn't turn immediately. His eyes stayed fixed on the scroll before him, but his voice carried clearly.

"You're late."

Ji Ling's gaze flickered to Ling Yu'er for half a second before he replied, calm as ever, "I was occupied."

At that, Ji Xingling finally turned, his sharp eyes landing on Yu'er. "Ah. The princess." A faint smile tugged at his lips. "I see you brought her along."

Yu'er straightened nervously under his gaze, then quickly dipped into a polite bow. "Your Highness."

Ji Xingling's expression softened. "No need for formalities, Princess. Sit. You may as well hear this too."

Yu'er blinked in surprise. She hadn't expected him to say that, and Ji Ling gave his brother the faintest of looks-though, as usual, his face betrayed little.

Ji Xingling walked slowly toward them, his hands still clasped behind his back. "There was an incident yesterday. You may have already heard the gossip," he said evenly.

Yu'er's heart jumped. The maids!

Ji Xingling continued, his tone low but serious. "The new bride of the Minister of Rites... was found dead in her chambers."

Yu'er's eyes widened. "Dead?!" she blurted before clapping her hands over her mouth.

Ji Xingling gave her a measured look, but didn't scold her. Instead, he continued, "The officials are divided. Some whisper it was suicide. Others believe there may be foul play. The matter is delicate-it involves one of our highest ministers. Father has left it in my hands."

He stopped in front of Ji Ling. "But I cannot handle this alone. Which is why I called for you."

Ji Ling sighed softly, dragging his gaze back to his brother. "So you want me to investigate."

Ji Xingling's lips curved into a small smirk. "You were always sharper than most. And less... bound by court formalities." His eyes flicked briefly toward Yu'er again. "Besides, it seems the princess has a nose for trouble. Perhaps she'll make things... interesting."

Yu'er's mouth fell open. "Huh?! You're dragging me into this too?"

Ji Ling pinched the bridge of his nose. "Big brother..."

Ji Xingling only chuckled under his breath.

Ji Xingling's voice was calm but carried the weight of command.

"The incident occurred in the Eastern Courtyard-where the Minister of Rites resides within the palace grounds."

Ling Yu'er's head snapped up. Inside the palace? Then no wonder everyone is gossiping already.

Ji Xingling continued, his expression darkening.

"It is not his daughter, as some rumors are suggesting. The one who died... is his new bride."

A faint silence fell. Even Ling Yu'er forgot to breathe for a moment.

"I'll see to it," Ji Ling said firmly.

Ji Xingling gave a curt nod, the weight of his approval enough to seal the matter.

Without another word, Ji Ling turned to leave. Naturally, Ling Yu'er rose too, trailing after him like a shadow.

"What's our next move?" she asked lightly.

Ji Ling didn't even slow his pace. "Our? I'm doing this alone."

Ling Yu'er frowned. "Why? The Crown Prince asked us to-"

"There's no us," Ji Ling cut her off coldly. "Only me."

She bit her lip. He really meant it. "But... I can help. I-"

"No." His tone was final, leaving no room for argument.

Ling Yu'er's eyes narrowed. Fine. If pleading wouldn't work... she would try something else. She leaned slightly closer, her voice dripping with mock sweetness.

"What is it? Are you worried about me? Afraid I'll get into trouble? Hm? I knew it-you do care about me, don't you?"

Ji Ling stopped mid-step, his shoulders stiffening. For a heartbeat, the silence between them thickened. Then, without looking at her, he muttered flatly:

"...You can come along."

Ling Yu'er blinked in surprise before breaking into a small victorious giggle. She skipped a little to catch up, her eyes twinkling with mischief.

"See? I knew it. You just can't say no to me."

Ji Ling shot her a sharp side glance, but said nothing as he continued walking ahead.

Ling Yu'er hummed happily to herself, ignoring his glare. This is going to be fun.