Though it still appeared dispirited and lethargic, at least its life had been preserved.
The young Crown Prince Consort stood upright and turned to address them. Her gaze settled on Zhang Enjie's bewildered face. "If you still harbor doubts, you can seek someone to test this poison. I won't claim deceit."
Upon hearing this, everyone took an instinctive step backward, leaving Zhang Enjie standing alone before the Crown Prince Consort, his expression dumbfounded.
The diminutive but resolute Crown Prince Consort frowned slightly, raising the silver needle in her hand, now stained with the toxic substance. "If you wish to personally experience the effects of this poison, I can certainly arrange that."
Zhang Enjie hastily retreated, and Minister Fang and the others behind him retreated even faster, leaving the prison cell and firmly shutting the door behind them.
He was now alone in the same prison cell as the formidable Crown Prince Consort!
Zhang Enjie felt a growing sense of bewilderment. He turned to glance at Minister Fang and his a.s.sociates, who wore expressions of pure innocence.
Wouldn't their consciences be plagued by guilt for leaving him in this situation?
Clutching the needle, the young Crown Prince Consort advanced toward him step by step. "Don't fret, although saving you may prove a tad inconvenient, it's certainly within my capabilities."
Zhang Enjie's expression s.h.i.+fted rapidly as he continued to retreat persistently, repeatedly uttering, "No, no, Crown Prince Consort! The common people trust you!"
His pleas were clear: Please, no needle insertion!
He wasn't insane, so why should he "experience" the potency of this poison? He had already witnessed the fate of the small bird quite vividly; there was no need to relive it.
The determined young Crown Prince Consort adopted a stoic expression and remarked apathetically, "Haven't you always regarded me with suspicion?"
"No, no! Absolutely not," Zhang Enjie hastily waved his hand. "As the spouse of the heir apparent of the Divine Province, the Crown Prince Consort would never deceive a commoner like me."
The young Crown Prince Consort retrieved the poisoned needle. Zhang Enjie's eyelids twitched as he watched her closely. "That needle…"
She held the tainted needle securely. Wouldn't she be at great risk if she accidentally p.r.i.c.ked herself, perhaps while handling the bedding? This action appeared perilous.
The stoic young lady regarded him impa.s.sively. "It won't harm me."
"But it could harm you," he pointed out cautiously.
She looked at him with nonchalance and posed a question. "Do you wish to discover the mastermind behind your family's demise?"
"Yes," Zhang Enjie affirmed with a determined nod.
"Then you can stay at the b.u.t.terfly Pavilion and a.s.sist," Qiao Mu suggested, eyeing him. "Until we apprehend this mastermind and unveil the truth behind the deaths of the eight members of your Zhang family."
Zhang Enjie was momentarily stunned. "Crown Prince Consort, are you suggesting…"
Was she proposing that he work for the b.u.t.terfly Pavilion?
"Exactly as you understand it," the unflappable young lady shot him a chilly look. "Your handwriting is acceptable. In the future, you'll reside at the b.u.t.terfly Pavilion and help transcribe the recipes."
At this revelation, everyone outside the prison cell staggered and nearly stumbled to the ground.
Their very own Crown Prince Consort!
How could this pet.i.te individual be so amusing…
"You accused me without evidence, tarnis.h.i.+ng my reputation somewhat. I'll deduct six months' worth of your salary."
Zhang Enjie: …
What was going on? Why was his salary deducted for the next six months even before he commenced work?
"Half a year from now, I'll pay you a thousand spirit currency a month. If you perform well, I'll increase your compensation. If not, you can leave!"