Though it still appeared dispirited and lethargic, at least its life had been preserved.
The young Crown Prince Consort stood upright and turned to address them. Her gaze settled on Zhang Enjieâs bewildered face. âIf you still harbor doubts, you can seek someone to test this poison. I wonât claim deceit.â
Upon hearing this, everyone took an instinctive step backward, leaving Zhang Enjie standing alone before the Crown Prince Consort, his expression dumbfounded.
The diminutive but resolute Crown Prince Consort frowned slightly, raising the silver needle in her hand, now stained with the toxic substance. âIf you wish to personally experience the effects of this poison, I can certainly arrange that.â
Zhang Enjie hastily retreated, and Minister Fang and the others behind him retreated even faster, leaving the prison cell and firmly shutting the door behind them.
He was now alone in the same prison cell as the formidable Crown Prince Consort!
Zhang Enjie felt a growing sense of bewilderment. He turned to glance at Minister Fang and his associates, who wore expressions of pure innocence.
Wouldnât their consciences be plagued by guilt for leaving him in this situation?
Clutching the needle, the young Crown Prince Consort advanced toward him step by step. âDonât fret, although saving you may prove a tad inconvenient, itâs certainly within my capabilities.â
Zhang Enjieâs expression shifted rapidly as he continued to retreat persistently, repeatedly uttering, âNo, no, Crown Prince Consort! The common people trust you!â
His pleas were clear: Please, no needle insertion!
He wasnât insane, so why should he âexperienceâ the potency of this poison? He had already witnessed the fate of the small bird quite vividly; there was no need to relive it.
The determined young Crown Prince Consort adopted a stoic expression and remarked apathetically, âHavenât you always regarded me with suspicion?â
âNo, no! Absolutely not,â Zhang Enjie hastily waved his hand. âAs the spouse of the heir apparent of the Divine Province, the Crown Prince Consort would never deceive a commoner like me.â
The young Crown Prince Consort retrieved the poisoned needle. Zhang Enjieâs eyelids twitched as he watched her closely. âThat needleâŠâ
She held the tainted needle securely. Wouldnât she be at great risk if she accidentally pricked herself, perhaps while handling the bedding? This action appeared perilous.
The stoic young lady regarded him impassively. âIt wonât harm me.â
âBut it could harm you,â he pointed out cautiously.
She looked at him with nonchalance and posed a question. âDo you wish to discover the mastermind behind your familyâs demise?â
âYes,â Zhang Enjie affirmed with a determined nod.
âThen you can stay at the Butterfly Pavilion and assist,â Qiao Mu suggested, eyeing him. âUntil we apprehend this mastermind and unveil the truth behind the deaths of the eight members of your Zhang family.â
Zhang Enjie was momentarily stunned. âCrown Prince Consort, are you suggestingâŠâ
Was she proposing that he work for the Butterfly Pavilion?
âExactly as you understand it,â the unflappable young lady shot him a chilly look. âYour handwriting is acceptable. In the future, youâll reside at the Butterfly Pavilion and help transcribe the recipes.â
At this revelation, everyone outside the prison cell staggered and nearly stumbled to the ground.
Their very own Crown Prince Consort!
How could this petite individual be so amusingâŠ
âYou accused me without evidence, tarnishing my reputation somewhat. Iâll deduct six monthsâ worth of your salary.â
Zhang Enjie: âŠ
What was going on? Why was his salary deducted for the next six months even before he commenced work?
âHalf a year from now, Iâll pay you a thousand spirit currency a month. If you perform well, Iâll increase your compensation. If not, you can leave!â
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