Mo Lingxi also understood that this topic did not need to continue. If it did, there would be nothing more to discuss: "Be careful recently, and pay attention to any strange or unfamiliar servants in the mansion."
Sheng Lengshuang quickly adjusted her emotions and gave a low hum: "You should be careful too. Although we don't know why the Black Hand is targeting you, it's always right to be cautious."
Mo Lingxi had been pondering this matter: "The Black Hand has repeatedly targeted and plotted against you, even wanting your life, yet they don't want to kill me. Furthermore, the Black Hand is very likely a woman. Is it possible that the Black Hand's goal is Rong'er's position?"
Sheng Lengshuang had also considered this possibility: "I can't rule out this possibility. Forget it, it's useless to think so much now. It's best to follow the clues."
Mo Lingxi hummed. Without more clues, overthinking would easily lead to a dead end. It was better to follow the clues, which would make it easier to catch the Black Hand.
The two chatted from time to time, waiting for the scouts to return.
About half an hour later, the scouts returned.
"Greetings, His Highness Prince Mingrui, Miss Sheng." The captain of the Imperial Guards saluted: "After our investigation, this secret passage has a total of three exits."
Sheng Lengshuang and Mo Lingxi exchanged a glance, three exits!?
"Continue," Mo Lingxi said in a deep voice.
The captain of the Imperial Guards continued: "These three exits lead to a mountain in the northern suburbs, a mansion in the west of the city, and... a secluded palace in the Imperial Palace."
"The Imperial Palace?!" Sheng Lengshuang was surprised: "Are you sure it leads to the Imperial Palace?"
The captain of the Imperial Guards: "Yes. We didn't believe it at first and checked several times. That secret passage indeed leads to a secluded palace in the Imperial Palace, and there are many things in this palace that have been used for a long time."
Who would have thought that one of the secret passages under Sima Min's bed led to the Imperial Palace. It was unknown how many things Sima Min had done through these secret passages over the years.
Sheng Lengshuang's expression was solemn: "We underestimated Sima Min."
Mo Lingxi nodded with a stern face: "We did underestimate Sima Min. The fact that she could quietly dig these three passages shows that she is not as simple as she appears. The question is, how did she fall to this point so easily?"
Sheng Lengshuang suddenly realized: "Yes, how did she fall to this point? The fact that she could quietly dig these three secret passages and was only discovered after so long is enough to show her methods and capabilities. Then why has she become like this now?"
It was truly strange.
"There is a problem here that we don't know about. This problem is the reason why Sima Min has fallen to this point."
"It is also possible that someone framed Sima Min, such as the Black Hand. Now that Sima Min has fallen to this point, only the Black Hand can help her."
Sheng Lengshuang and Mo Lingxi discussed it, and the more they thought about it, the more they felt that the whole matter was not simple.
The captain of the Imperial Guards also said that they were still investigating the locations of the three secret passage exits, especially the one in the Imperial Palace, and a comprehensive search was underway.
Mo Lingxi ordered the captain to thoroughly search the entire Sima family. Since Sima Min could quietly dig such secret passages, she could also dig secret passages in the Sima family or do other things.
Afterward, everyone in the Sima family, including the masters, was summoned to the main hall.
Sheng Lengshuang glanced at the anxious and flustered Madam Sima, and the concubines and illegitimate children, but said nothing.
"How much do you know about Sima Min's actions?" Mo Lingxi asked coldly.
A group of concubines, illegitimate children, and servants looked at each other, all confused by Mo Lingxi's words.
Madam Sima tightly clutched her embroidered handkerchief and said anxiously, "May I ask His Highness Prince Mingrui, what happened to my daughter? Did she really harm the Prince?"
Mo Lingxi: "The evidence is conclusive!"
Madam Sima's vision went black, and she staggered back a few steps, crying heartbrokenly: "Wicked creature, wicked creature! How could she do such a rebellious thing? That was her own father, her father who doted on her for so many years."
A group of concubines, illegitimate children, and servants began to discuss.
"It's too terrifying! The eldest daughter is too wicked, to actually commit patricide. Think about how good the Prince was to her, she asked to become a county princess as soon as she came of age, and yet she did such a wicked thing."
"I've always said that the eldest daughter is not a good person, but none of you believed me. Back then, I saw the eldest daughter kill a maid with my own eyes. It was only because the maid accidentally soiled her clothes."
"Hmph, aren't there enough wicked things the eldest daughter has done over the years? What happened to the Prince's concubines and illegitimate children, I don't believe Madam knows nothing about it. If it weren't for the eldest daughter's help, would Madam's life be so peaceful?"
Hearing this, Sheng Lengshuang glanced at Mo Lingxi.
Mo Lingxi walked up to Madam Sima, her eyes coldly fixed on her: "Madam Sima, this is your only chance. What do you know about the things Sima Min has done in secret?"
Madam Sima knelt on the ground with a thud, trembling like a sieve: "I, I really don't know what my daughter has done in secret..."
"Oh, Madam, please don't joke." The third Miss Sima rolled her eyes and sneered: "How many concubines, illegitimate children, and servants have you and your daughter harmed? Everyone in this mansion knows. How dare you say such a thing."
Madam Sima's face turned pale.
"Drag her out and torture her!" Mo Lingxi gave the order, and the Imperial Guards dragged Madam Sima out for torture.
During this time, Mo Lingxi interrogated others and learned a lot. For example, how Sima Min plotted and framed Prince Rui's concubines and illegitimate children, how she pretended to be innocent and pitiful, and how much of it was Madam Sima's intention.
There was also how Sima Min plotted and framed those outstanding young ladies, even princesses had been plotted against by her. And in this mansion, Sima Min was the emperor, and even Prince Rui had to obey her wishes, otherwise, she would throw a tantrum and beat or kill servants.
Sheng Lengshuang frowned as she listened. The more she understood Sima Min, the more she disliked her. This woman, Sima Min, truly thought of herself as someone important, treating even her own parents like this. She really didn't know what Prince Rui and his wife were thinking.
Her peripheral vision saw Madam Sima, who looked like she would rather be dead, being dragged in. She felt no sympathy for her. To raise a daughter like Sima Min showed that Madam Sima was not a good person either.
"Is Madam Sima willing to confess?" Mo Lingxi looked down at her from above.
Madam Sima, who had been pampered for many years and had everything go her way, had never suffered such hardship. Hearing this, she nodded repeatedly: "I am willing, I am willing, I only beg His Highness Prince Mingrui to stop the torture."
Mo Lingxi: "Speak."
Madam Sima didn't know where to start. She swallowed: "Your Highness Prince Mingrui, should I talk about my daughter first, or start from the beginning?"
Upon hearing this, Mo Lingxi knew that there were many truths. She ordered the Imperial Guards to take the others away for interrogation: "First, talk about Sima Min's matters, and focus on what she has done in secret."