Chapter 930 - 884: Finale (Part 10)
Chapter 930: Chapter 884: Finale (Part 10)
The day before departure to Fahua Temple, Song Wei was in Yilan Courtyard helping organize Zhao Shuo’s books.
At that moment, the servant who had previously taken Jinbao out to buy sugar figures rushed in with a pale face, "Mr. Wen, something terrible has happened, Little Flower is missing!"
Song Wei’s handsome face darkened, "What’s happened?"
The servant wiped his sweat, "I... I just went to the toilet for a moment, and when I came out, she was gone."
Recently, there have been so many children in the capital being found with their hearts gouged out. The servant couldn’t help but associate Little Flower’s disappearance with the heart-excavating case, and he felt cold sweat trickling down his back.
Zhao Shuo heard their conversation and walked over to ask, "What’s going on?"
Song Wei’s expression was grim, and he turned to Zhao Shuo, bowing slightly, "Little Flower is missing. I fear it may be related to the infamous case recently, and need to search for her immediately, but I’m afraid I can’t accompany the princely heir to Fahua Temple."
Zhao Shuo had seen that adorable little child before; even though he hadn’t started his own family yet, the sight of the little girl in her dress always awakened his paternal instincts, making him delight in her each time they met.
But now the servants were telling him Little Flower was missing!
"Have you sent someone to search for her?" Zhao Shuo asked.
The servant apologized, "As soon as I realized Little Flower was gone, I rushed back and haven’t had the chance to notify others."
"Then quickly, send people out to search for her, make sure to bring her back."
After the servant left, Zhao Shuo recalled Mr. Wen’s earlier words, "Sir just mentioned a case, what case?"
"The heart-excavating case," Song Wei answered truthfully, "Recently, in the capital, there have been frequent cases of children being murdered, their corpses found in a gruesome state, each having had their hearts dug out."
Upon hearing these words, Zhao Shuo unconsciously took a step back, feeling his chest tighten as if something was gripping him.
At that moment, Prince Cheng had happened to approach them, noticing Zhao Shuo’s face turning purple as he clutched his chest in apparent distress.
"Shuoshuo!" Prince Cheng was startled and quickly went over to support his son, sending a servant to fetch a Life-saving Pill and water for him to swallow. Once Zhao Shuo had somewhat recovered, Prince Cheng glared at Song Wei, "What did you say to him this time?"
Song Wei’s face also showed urgency, "Your Highness, my little daughter has gone missing. I suspect it is related to the recent case. I wish to go out and search for her, hoping Your Highness will permit it."
"Nonsense!" Prince Cheng blurted out, "Recently, only boys have been killed in that case..."
"Father, how do you know this?" Zhao Shuo looked at his father in shock.
Prince Cheng quickly closed his mouth, "I heard it from someone."
"Either way, we should first let Mr. Wen search for the child," Zhao Shuo remarked, turning his gaze to Song Wei, "I expect you must be anxious now. I won’t keep you, go search for her. Whether or not you find her, at least your heart won’t weigh as heavily."
"Thank you for your understanding, Princely Heir."
After Song Wei left, Zhao Shuo implored Prince Cheng, "Father, please send more people to help him find Little Flower!"
Prince Cheng showed reluctance, pondering what significance Little Flower had to warrant deploying many people from the Prince Mansion for her.
Yet, meeting Zhao Shuo’s earnest gaze, Prince Cheng couldn’t bear to refuse, so he nodded, "Yes, I will send people out to look immediately."
...
Meanwhile, on the busy streets, Jinbao had already taken off the little dress he was wearing, revealing the little robe his father had put on him before he left home. He removed the hair ribbon and fluffy hair ornament as well. He had previously shaved his head, and his hair was not yet long enough to affect his appearance without being tied.
After tousling his hair a bit, Jinbao dashed towards the carriage and horse store.
He stopped an empty carriage heading out.
The driver was startled, about to scold him when he saw that it was a very beautiful little child standing ahead, with large innocent eyes that rendered him unable to resist.
Softening his tone, he asked, "Little one, what do you want?"
Jinbao approached, looking up at the driver, "Grandpa, I want to go to Changning Marquis Mansion, but I have no money. Could you take me there, and when we arrive, I’ll knead your shoulders and massage your back, okay?"
The driver hesitated. He intended to refuse, but the child was so exquisitely cute that the sight of his pleading eyes made his heart melt.
"Get on," the driver said, "No need for money, I’ll take you there."
Jinbao instantly beamed with joy, climbing onto the carriage, "Thank you, Grandpa."
Once they set off, the driver asked him, "Why are you going to Changning Marquis Mansion?"
"To find my mother," Jinbao replied.
"Oh? Your mother is at Changning Marquis Mansion?"
"Yes," Jinbao nodded, "My mother is the most capable steward at the mansion. I heard she is highly regarded by the Commandery Princess."
The driver suddenly understood. A little child dressed in commoner clothes suddenly wishing to go to a notable noble family like Changning Marquis Mansion made sense now.