Following this, people from the Dali Temple arrived, stating that Li An had fallen unconscious and Qin Lang had escaped.
The 'Qin Lang' sent to the Dali Temple was left weak and exhausted. The Dali Temple was heavily guarded; how could it be so easy to escape?
Therefore, as he had guessed, there was an accomplice of Qin Lang within the Dali Temple.
Someone who could release a person from the Dali Temple must have a high status.
With Li An unconscious, Qian Yuanbao quickly ran through several names in his mind.
Of course, there was also a possibility that Li An was feigning unconsciousness.
This thought flashed through his mind and was dismissed by Qian Yuanbao. Li An's father was Emperor Chongwen. Although Li An's status had not been officially acknowledged, why would a son go against his father? There was no benefit for him in doing so. After all, Qin Lang was the instigator of the events back then, and Emperor Chongwen despised him, which was why he had been relentlessly pursuing Qin Lang through the Dali Temple for so many years.
If Li An were to be involved with Qin Lang, it would bring him no benefit.
Considering Li An's status, Qian Yuanbao decided to visit the Dali Temple.
In the backyard of the Dali Temple yamen, in addition to the duty constables, imperial physicians from the palace had also arrived.
It was likely that Emperor Chongwen in the palace already knew about this matter.
"The official was interrogating Qin Lang, and somehow, everyone else who was interrogating with him also collapsed," a constable recounted the situation at the time.
Qian Yuanbao's head ached. If it were the real Qin Lang, such an incident would be understandable. The problem was, that Qin Lang was a fake. He belonged to his people; how could he not know that his own people possessed such skill as to make people collapse silently?
"Are you sure everyone collapsed together?" Qian Yuanbao asked.
The constable nodded.
"Then why didn't you collapse?"
"Your subordinate was guarding outside. When I entered, everyone had already collapsed, and the prisoner was nowhere to be seen!"
"So, you didn't personally witness people collapsing, did you?"
The constable realized, "Yes, your subordinate did not personally see people collapse. It was only when I arrived that the official and his colleagues were already lying on the ground."
"You didn't see where Qin Lang left from?"
The constable shook his head.
Qian Yuanbao appeared troubled. "I am also at a loss regarding this matter, and staying here won't be of much help. Imperial Physician Wang, what is Lord Li's current condition? Is his life in danger?"
Imperial Physician Wang shook his head, "Based on his pulse, there is no danger. It seems to be a peculiar anesthetic that I have not encountered before. Based on my experience, he will wake up once the effects of the drug wear off. At that time, Lord Li will surely know what happened. You can just assign someone to watch over him. I have matters to attend to at my residence, so I won't be staying here. Young Master Qian, are you still planning to stay here?"
"I'll leave with Imperial Physician Wang."
Outside the Dali Temple gate, Imperial Physician Wang looked around to ensure no one was watching before lowering his voice and saying, "Lord Li's condition is somewhat perplexing. Based on my experience, the drug entered his body through his mouth."
So, someone had added something to the water Li An drank.
But this didn't seem right either. There were several other people interrogated with him; did they all drink something together?
Qian Yuanbao cupped his hands towards Imperial Physician Wang. Now, only by seeing the person disguised as Qin Lang would they know what had happened.
The message that had been sent back earlier had not disclosed many details, out of caution.
Qian Yuanbao hurried back to his residence, gave a few instructions, and then rushed to the place where his subordinates were hiding.
The location was very secluded. Qian Yuanbao deliberately took several detours before entering an inconspicuous alley.
After knocking on the door according to their arrangement, the door opened quickly.
However, what his subordinate said shocked Qian Yuanbao.
"It was Lord Li from the Dali Temple who let your subordinate go. He was acting rather strangely. In the room with so many people, he suddenly became like a wooden man, staring blankly. Lord Li told your subordinate to wait for him at the old place, but your subordinate doesn't know where the old place is."