The moment Ning Yue caught sight of the Third Prince, he hurriedly changed direction and knelt in prostration.
“Your Highness! Every word I speak is true! My Young Master Xue was framed! The one who killed his father must be cruel and vicious. Though my young master is taciturn and aloof, his heart is kind. I beg Your Highness to investigate thoroughly!”
The Third Prince merely gave a cold snort and continued toward his chamber without a word.
Ning Yue persisted, moving forward on his knees, pleading passionately.
The prince paid him no heed.
He already knew Mu Xueshi had been wronged. Though he had not ordered the assassination, neither would he have permitted Mu Xueshi to act personally. Right and wrong had long ceased to concern him. In the end, those within the Grand Tutor’s manor—and certain troublesome figures in the palace—would all die in due time.
Before long, Ning Yue’s voice vanished from the courtyard.
Su Ruhan, crippled and immobile, could not personally silence him—but the guards once under his command had grown vigilant. Any disturbance within the residence would be swiftly handled.
Inside, Mu Xueshi lay rigid upon the bed, eyes squeezed shut as he strained to listen.
He vaguely heard someone pleading injustice but had no time to ponder the cause. Silently, he prayed the commotion would distract the Third Prince—delay him, even briefly.
Yet what use was delay?
Upon seeing the state of the room, the prince would only grow more irritated.
Sweat beaded upon Mu Xueshi’s smooth forehead. He prayed fervently that the Third Prince would treat the objects around him as he treated people—with indifference. That he would see, yet not care.
The door opened.
The Third Prince paused at the sight before him, then quickly understood who was responsible.
Only Mu Xueshi occupied the chamber. No one else could have entered; the maids stood outside, forbidden to step within without permission.
Footsteps approached.
Mu Xueshi’s grip on the bedsheet tightened.
Seeing him curled tightly, face taut with tension, the prince curved his lips faintly.
So—he did know fear after all.
Though the damaged items could easily be replaced, Mu Xueshi’s mischief could not go unpunished.
“No one has ever dared tamper with my chamber,” the prince said lightly.
Mu Xueshi shuddered, then deliberately stretched and rubbed his eyes. Turning over, he flashed a bright smile.
“You’re back? I just woke up!”
His long hair spilled across the pillow and bed. His wide eyes were still misted with sleep, clear and limpid, tinged with innocent confusion. His morning smile was like a shaft of sunlight pouring into the room—warm, radiant, utterly guileless.
It truly seemed as though he had only just awakened, unaware of anything amiss.
The Third Prince’s brows drew together slightly, his lips curving in faint derision.
No improvement. Still the same as yesterday—only his antics had grown even more absurd.
Sensing something strange in the prince’s gaze, Mu Xueshi grew uneasy. He quickly sat up and performed a proper bow.
“This commoner greets the Third Prince. Good morning, Your Highness.”
When no dismissal came, his back began to ache. Taking the liberty, he straightened as though already excused.
The Third Prince’s voice rang out like thunder.
“Kneel.”
Futile Devices Scans 
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