The news rapidly spread like wildfire, with everyone extolling the virtues of the b.u.t.terfly Pavilion's sacred rice, paired with the spiritual food, for enhancing cultivation and facilitating breakthroughs.
As a result, the entire capital was abuzz with excitement.
Numerous heads of prestigious families strained their resources to acquire this Holy Rice, but unfortunately, even Shopkeeper Hu had none in stock.
Not only that, but several factions of n.o.ble families covertly dispatched agents to the b.u.t.terfly Pavilion in hopes of uncovering the secret behind the sacred rice.
However, their efforts ended in disappointment.
The b.u.t.terfly Pavilion depleted its daily supplies of vegetables, fruits, and rice, leaving nothing amiss for those who conducted clandestine investigations.
Returning home empty-handed only piqued their curiosity further about the Holy Rice and Spirit-infused Vegetables and Fruits.
Family Head Long, who had been stagnating in his cultivation for several years, was particularly intrigued by the b.u.t.terfly Pavilion's limited inventory. Yet, he found himself at an impa.s.se.
He had attempted to purchase Holy Rice multiple times, but each time, he was met with the same response: there was no stock available.
These elusive answers only intensified the allure of the b.u.t.terfly Pavilion's offerings, resulting in even greater popularity.
Qiao Mu lowered her gaze and noticed the Zhang family members. She pursed her lips and addressed them with cold detachment, "Who instigated you to bring a corpse here and create a disturbance?"
Elderly Lady Zhang prostrated herself earnestly, her tears genuine this time. "Crown Prince Consort, it's my fault! I was blinded by greed and hatched a scheme to slander the b.u.t.terfly Pavilion for personal gain. I'll tell you everything! Indeed, someone approached our Zhang family and instructed us to transport my clueless son's corpse to the b.u.t.terfly Pavilion's entrance to perpetuate the turmoil."
"That individual is wearing a fortunate baby mask. Judging by the sound of their voice, they appear to be middle-aged. However, with my decades of experience, I'd wager this individual is a woman in disguise as a man," Qiao Mu stated coldly, her gaze penetrating Elderly Lady Zhang.
Elderly Lady Zhang sobbed, "Crown Prince Consort, I've told you everything I know! Please spare us this time."
Without uttering a word, Qiao Mu signaled a.s.sistant Minister Zhou, who then directed over ten robust imperial guards to apprehend all the members of the Zhang family, fitting them with the shackles that had previously bound the boy's family.
Even after the Zhang family had been escorted away by a.s.sistant Minister Zhou, Qiao Mu maintained her silence.
Once the commotion stirred by the Zhang family had subsided, Qiao Mu cast a frigid look at the onlookers and spoke dispa.s.sionately, "The b.u.t.terfly Pavilion was set ablaze this time and will require two weeks for repairs. In half a month, the b.u.t.terfly Pavilion will reopen, offering three or more special disposal rank items on that day. The supply is limited, and the highest bidder will secure them!"
Having delivered this piece of news, Qiao Mu led everyone into the b.u.t.terfly Pavilion, paying no heed to their reactions.
Outside, Shopkeeper Hu and others detained the crowd. Upon hearing that the b.u.t.terfly Pavilion would provide three or more special disposals in half a month, they were filled with both excitement and antic.i.p.ation.
Many individuals sought information from those who had attended the scene, promptly breaking away from the gathering and returning to their homes to notify their Family Heads of the news.
In a side room at the rear of the b.u.t.terfly Pavilion:
Qiao Mu sat before the embroidery bed, where Caixiu lay. After taking her pulse, she remained silent for an extended period. Her expression remained stern and unwelcoming.
Huifeng inquired cautiously, "Crown Prince Consort, is Caixiu's condition very serious?"
Qiao Mu shook her head. "It can be treated."
Despite the severity of Caixiu's burns, Qiao Mu was confident in her ability to restore her to her previous state once she began treatment.
However…