"Father-in-law, what I'm about to say may seem rather far-fetched, so please prepare yourself mentally," said Mo Jiuye solemnly.
Seeing his son-in-law's grave demeanor, He Yuanming also became serious. "What is this about?"
"Nan Qi is not the biological child of the Emperor and Concubine Yuan. The true prince is someone else..."
Mo Jiuye quickly explained to his father-in-law how Nan Qi and Fei Nanyu had been switched at birth, hoping he could figure out how to respond to this in the future.
As expected, this was earth-shattering news for He Yuanming.
"It seems the future of Da Shun is beset with twists and turns, when even any tomcat or stray dog can become a prince."
Knowing his father-in-law was loyal to Da Shun, Mo Jiuye simply told him everything he knew.
"There's more. Nan Heng has colluded with the Queen of the Southern Tribes. He is already dead. Prince Rui has fled the capital with Consort De, and they are living in hiding under assumed names elsewhere. So father-in-law, please be mentally prepared for who will eventually gain control of Da Shun."
For He Yuanming, each revelation from his son-in-law was more shocking than the last.
Seeing his dazed expression, Mo Jiuye could not afford to explain in detail, because right then, someone knocked on the door.
"Master He, I've prepared the clothes."
He Yuanming quickly composed himself to look as if nothing had happened, and opened the door with his own hand.
Just as he was about to take the clothes from the steward, he saw the previously hale and hearty steward collapse on the ground, still clasping the porcelain bottle he had failed to conceal.
At the same time, Mo Jiuye yanked his father-in-law forcefully backwards.
"Be careful," Mo Jiuye said softly.
Before He Yuanming even realized what was happening, Mo Jiuye had already caught a bug with his bare hands.
Because this was so sudden, Mo Jiuye did not have a small bottle on him. The gu worm struggled violently in his grip.
If he had not wanted to leave some evidence for his father-in-law to implicate the Ninth Prince, he might have crushed the gu worm dead already.
Although He Yuanming had never seen a gu worm with his own eyes, seeing his son-in-law's alarm, he guessed that the steward who had just arrived must have been sent by the Ninth Prince to infect him with gu.
Seeing his son-in-law still holding the disgusting worm, He Yuanming quickly fetched a teacup from the table and gave it to Mo Jiuye.
Mo Jiuye accepted the teacup and put the worm inside, promptly covering it with the lid.
"I didn't expect the Ninth Prince to act so quickly."
Mo Jiuye suspected that he had only just informed Fei Nanyu, and even if he and Nan Qi worked together to resist this, they would still need some time.
It was possible some ministers had already fallen into the trap.
Fortunately, he had brought his father-in-law here, and the man had not left yet. Otherwise, with He Yuanming's complete lack of martial prowess, there would have been no chance of escaping this unscathed.
Thinking of this, Mo Jiuye felt extremely anxious in retrospect. If his father-in-law had been infected with gu while he was aware of the plot, he wouldn't know how to explain to his wife when he returned to the Northwest.
"Keep this gu worm safe, father-in-law, it may come in useful one day," said Mo Jiuye.
He Yuanming knew gu worms were extremely dangerous things. Worried that a mere teacup could not contain it, he took out his handkerchief and wrapped the teacup tightly.
"It's fortunate you were here. Otherwise I could not have escaped this catastrophe unharmed."
Right now, Mo Jiuye had no time for further discussion. He dragged the steward into the room.
"Father-in-law, the Ninth Prince's estate will soon be in great turmoil. It would be best if you leave this nest of right and wrong as soon as possible." Mo Jiuye sincerely advised.
He Yuanming nodded. "I'll go to the palace now and report this matter to His Majesty."
Mo Jiuye knew his father-in-law was a man of good judgement. When he went to the palace, he would only mention the happenings at the Ninth Prince's estate, without bringing up Fei Nanyu and Nan Qi's identities.
As for what he would choose to do afterwards, Mo Jiuye was certain his father-in-law would find a better opportunity based on his experience.
With his father-in-law's crisis resolved, Mo Jiuye saw no need to linger.
"I cannot stay here long, father-in-law. I must take my leave now."
Seeing his son-in-law about to depart, He Yuanming was still reluctant. "Son-in-law, it was not easy for you to come to the capital. Why don't you visit the Minister's residence and let your mother-in-law see you too?"
Mo Jiuye declined. "I still have important matters to attend to. In the future, when there is a chance, I will definitely bring Ran Ran and our child to visit you and mother-in-law."
"Since that's the case, I won't keep you. But you must be very careful in your dealings. Ran Ran is still waiting for your return in the Northwest," said He Yuanming.
In fact, He Yuanming's main purpose in inviting Mo Jiuye to his home was because he wanted to give his son-in-law some silver for the return trip. Their sudden departure from the capital meant he had only prepared money for his daughter on short notice, which was far from enough.
Now that his son-in-law had come to the capital, he intended to give him more silver. Unfortunately, He Yuanming had a habit of rarely carrying cash and promissory notes when going out.
As a result of today's events, He Yuanming found himself in an awkward spot, as he did not have any valuables on his person that he could give to his son-in-law.
Still, He Yuanming did not give up.
"May I have your address in the Northwest, son-in-law?"
Mo Jiuye did not think much of this request. It was only natural for the man to be concerned about his daughter's whereabouts. Initially, he had suggested He Ranran write home to reassure her family, but He Ranran was worried her current identity would negatively impact her family, so she had endured the separation without sending any letters.
Now that he had met with his father-in-law, there was no harm in telling him their address verbally. No one could use that against them.
"We currently reside in Xiling Village, just west of Yuncheng in the Northwest," Mo Jiuye replied.
He Yuanming repeated the address several times in his mind to memorize it, before parting ways with Mo Jiuye.
As a guest, He Yuanming could leave the Prince's estate openly. But Mo Jiuye had to use his lightness skill to leap over the wall and slip away unseen.
Having resumed his original appearance, he went straight to the nearest market to buy a straw hat to hide his face, in case he was recognized by any acquaintances.
Departing the city went smoothly without incident. The city gate guards would not casually interrogate travelers.
Mo Jiuye reunited with his two brothers at top speed.
At this time, Si Meng still showed no signs of regaining consciousness, so traveling with him would be inconvenient. With Mo Jiuye present, Fifth Brother could relax and head out to buy ingredients for their evening meal.
But contrary to expectations, either due to Si Meng's unusual weight or some other reason, he actually woke up over an hour early.
Mo Jiuye was currently worried for his father-in-law, uncertain if Emperor Shunwu would believe him after he brought in the gu worm.
Just then, Sixth Brother's voice sounded in his mind.
"Ninth brother, come quickly!"
Hearing Sixth Brother's call, Mo Jiuye immediately pulled back his thoughts and hurried back to Si Meng's room.
Si Meng stared wide-eyed at Sixth Brother.
"You're...Mo Jinnian?"
Sixth Brother gave a cold humph. "Humph! Bet you didn't expect we'd meet like this."
