Great Flood and Monster

Su Li didn't know the answer to this question, and right now, she didn't have the energy to dig deeper.

While Xiao Zetian was investigating the case outside, she had to do everything she could to clear her own name.

That afternoon, the Prince of Qin’s carriage waited at the main gate. After Su Li finished dressing up, she boarded the carriage and headed to the Minister of War’s residence.

Today, the Minister’s residence was hosting a banquet for many prominent figures in the court. Su Li had received her invitation long ago—back when there were no rumors. But now, with gossip about the Princess Consort of Qin swirling all over the city, everyone assumed she’d hide away at home. No one expected Su Li to actually show up!

When the Minister’s wife heard Su Li was coming, her face turned green. Right there in front of the other ladies, she grabbed her son and held him close. She didn’t say it out loud, but her meaning was obvious: she was terrified Su Li might snatch her son and kill him!

But Su Li was, after all, holding an invitation and her rank was so high—no one dared to throw her out.

So, the Minister’s wife had no choice but to grit her teeth and send a little maid to lead the Princess Consort of Qin into the house.

Su Li entered the Minister’s residence, but found that no one from the household dared speak to her. Everyone avoided her as if she were a flood or a wild beast—truly treating her like some kind of man-eating monster.

The Minister’s wife pulled her son over and said sternly, “Son, listen carefully. There’s a man-eating monster in the house today—she steals children and eats them. Don’t run around, or you’ll be eaten by the monster. Understand?”

The young master of the Minister’s family quickly nodded, “Mother, I understand. I’ll stay in my room and won’t go out.”

“Good child, don’t run around! I’ll have someone guard the door. Stay in your room, and when it’s time for you to greet the guests, I’ll come get you myself. Until then, don’t go out no matter who calls you, understood?” The Minister’s wife gave this special reminder, then locked her son in the room with four servants posted at the door—just in case the monster tried to snatch him. After that, she hurried off to entertain her guests.

Su Li sat quietly, noticing that the Minister’s wife had come out.

The Minister’s wife was the first to spot the Princess Consort of Qin. She quickly whispered to her personal maid, “Xiao Qing, keep an eye on the Princess Consort. If she disappears, report to me immediately.”

“Yes, Madam.”

The Minister’s wife assigned Xiao Qing to watch Su Li, then went to attend to the other ladies. Xiao Qing, under the pretense of serving, came to Su Li’s side to pour tea and water—while secretly monitoring her every move.

After sipping tea for a while, Su Li said, “I’ve had too much tea. Where’s the restroom in your house?”

Xiao Qing replied, “Princess Consort, please follow me. I’ll show you the way.”

Xiao Qing led the way to the restroom, and Su Li went in alone, saying she wasn’t used to being attended to and asking Xiao Qing to wait outside.

Xiao Qing waited outside, but no matter how long she waited, the Princess Consort of Qin didn’t come out. Growing increasingly anxious, she couldn’t help but call out, “Princess Consort, are you finished?”

There was no answer from inside. Xiao Qing was frantic; remembering the Minister’s wife’s instructions to keep watch over the Princess Consort, she steeled herself and rushed in—only to freeze in shock.

The latrine was completely empty! Where was Princess Consort Lily?!

"Oh no!" Lucy Green's heart skipped a beat. She grabbed her skirt and rushed off to find Lady Warwick.

Lady Warwick scolded Lucy Green, "Didn't I tell you to keep an eye on Princess Consort Lily? Why are you back here?!"

Lucy Green looked distraught. "Madam, something terrible has happened! Princess Consort Lily is missing!"

Just as Lucy Green finished speaking, a loud voice called from the backyard, "Something's wrong! Young Master Warwick is missing! Help! Young Master Warwick was stolen by a monster!"