Chapter 115: Reaching a Consensus

“*Cough, cough... Your Highness, since you say you are my uncle, could you help me look for the Prince?” Yan Heru thought to herself, braving embarrassment as she posed the question. Would Nan’an refuse?

Although Nan’an had just said he was also searching for the Ninth Prince, those words might have been mere politeness. After all, the Ninth Prince was his enemy; seeking an enemy held no advantage for him.

Yet upon hearing her request, Nan’an responded immediately, without hesitation, “Of course. Even if you had not asked, I would still search for the Ninth Prince.”

“Then, Your Highness, if you receive any news about the Ninth Prince, could you please have Ah Nuo inform me at once? It would bring me great peace of mind,” Yan Heru said, heart lifted by Nan’an’s agreement.

Another ally meant another strength, even if that strength was not exactly on their side; it was still helpful.

“Very well,” Nan’an nodded.

Yan Heru smiled faintly and continued, “In that case, thank you in advance, Your Highness. If I go missing too long, those around me will surely worry and search frantically. To avoid troubling you, I will take my leave now. If anything happens, please have Ah Nuo let me know.”

Nan’an nodded and opened his mouth as if to say something, but in the end, remained silent, quietly watching Yan Heru depart.

Once she had left, Nan’an’s gentle demeanor shifted abruptly. He turned coldly toward Ah Nuo standing beside him and asked sharply, “Can you tell me where the Ninth Prince has gone?”

Startled, Ah Nuo immediately knelt, “Ah Nuo does not know the whereabouts of the Ninth Prince.”

“If you don’t know, then why are you so fearful? Ah Nuo, you disappoint me greatly. Besides me, your master, do you have others behind you?” Nan’an questioned harshly.

He had suspected this before, but Ah Nuo had shown no suspicious behavior, and during his period of surveillance, she had remained obedient. Over time, Nan’an had almost forgotten the suspicion, but the matter of the Ninth Prince revived his doubts, compelling him to question Ah Nuo once more.

“Ah Nuo has only one master—Your Highness! I do not understand why you doubt me so,” Ah Nuo said confidently, as if she had found a defense.

Her certainty caused Nan’an to briefly question his own words. Could he have been mistaken? Yet her past behaviors had been somewhat odd, though no evidence had emerged. Still, this did not exclude the possibility of others behind her.

Now was not the time to confront her directly; without solid proof, a subtle warning was enough.

Nan’an sighed and reached out his hand to Ah Nuo gently, saying softly, “I mean no blame. This matter is my fault—I was too hasty. If you truly have others behind you, how could they have shared news of my niece with me? Ah Nuo, forgive me for wrongly suspecting you.”

Ah Nuo pressed her lips together, placing her hand over his, “A master’s actions are never wrong. There is no need for Your Highness to apologize to a servant like me.”

Nan’an smiled helplessly and ruffled her hair, “You are always so considerate, it is touching. But I was wrong this time. Let us return and investigate the Ninth Prince’s affairs. When there is news, you shall bring it to Heru.”

Ah Nuo nodded and followed him back.

Nan’an’s doubts lingered, but for now, his behavior was meant to soothe Ah Nuo.

They returned to the Southern Sun Kingdom, while Yan Heru had arrived at the Northern Jade Kingdom’s inn. Upon stepping into the courtyard, she immediately saw two people pacing anxiously—Yan Yi and Mo Yi.

Mo Yi was the first to notice Yan Heru’s return and hurried forward, worry evident in her voice: “Princess Consort! Where have you been? You frightened us so! We feared something had happened to you.”

Yan Heru felt guilty and dared not explain, quickly changing the subject: “It’s nothing, I just went out for a walk to clear my mind. Don’t worry. By the way, have you found any trace of the Ninth Prince?”

The two exchanged glances and shook their heads. Yan Yi responded, “I believe the Ninth Prince is likely outside the Northern Jade Kingdom’s territory. It’s probable he was taken by people from the Southern Sun Kingdom. After all, the two nations are at war. If they secretly captured our commander, victory would be assured for them.”

Yan Heru considered this analysis reasonable but doubted the Southern Sun Kingdom would act in such a manner. Her hesitation arose simply because she had just met Nan’an.

Nan’an was responsible for most of the Southern Sun Kingdom’s military operations. Though their acquaintance was brief, it was enough for Yan Heru to believe he was not the type to employ underhanded tactics on the battlefield.

After a moment’s thought, she shook her head. “I don’t think that’s likely. Everyone knows the character of the Third Prince of Southern Sun. On the battlefield, he has always scorned such schemes.”

Yan Heru was also grateful to Yan Yi. Shen Hezhi had previously informed her of Yan Yi’s contributions in assisting him, so she knew well of Yan Yi’s loyalty and efforts.

“Even so,” Yan Yi continued, “someone may still be scheming behind the scenes. Perhaps he lacks the authority to refuse such a plan.”

Yan Heru did not wish to argue further. “Then let us split up and investigate. The more directions we explore, the sooner we will find the Prince.”

Everyone was satisfied with this plan.

After escorting Yan Heru back to her room, Mo Yi left to join the search for the Ninth Prince.

Unable to fight, Yan Heru remained at the inn but was not the type to wait passively. Even if the others barred her from going out, she would find a way.

After all, the missing person was her husband—how could she rest easy waiting here?