Inside the Little Garden.
Ren Ye considered briefly, then replied, "That's right. His Majesty placed his trust in me, and I've been secretly investigating the rebels within the Court. When I entered Zhangzhou, I was indeed forced to enter Consort Jing's tomb."
At these words, Jun'an sprang to her feet, undisguised urgency showing on her pretty face. "What did you see after entering the tomb? Was there anything left inside my mother's coffin... any letters? Personal effects?"
"Neither." Ren Ye shook his head and asked, "How did Your Highness know I'd entered the Consort Jing Tomb?"
Jun'an's eyes dimmed, disappointment surfacing on her pretty face. "Father dotes on me. Countless powerful ministers go out of their way to curry favor with me. News like that isn't particularly secret. If I want to know, I'll know...!"
Even in her sorrow, she hadn't forgotten to flaunt how favored she was. With brains and a personality like hers, she wouldn't have survived a single episode in the palace without Emperor Wanwu protecting her.
"Then my... my mother's remains?" Jun'an asked again, her voice unusually gentle. "I heard her remains were missing."
After a brief silence, Ren Ye nodded. "Yes. I didn't see Consort Jing's remains inside the tomb."
"Then did you uncover any clues?! Did those grave robbers confess anything important?" Jun'an asked again.
Ren Ye watched her quietly without answering.
"Tell me! Tell me!" Jun'an pressed urgently.
"Princess, His Majesty ordered me to investigate this case. I really can't disclose its details." Looking at this foolish young girl, Ren Ye couldn't help beginning to fish for information. "Princess Jun'an, if you want to learn the outcome sooner, you could tell me some things that aren't public knowledge. Any unusual incidents before your mother passed away, for instance...!"
Jun'an pursed her red lips.