You are a mess when your leave the hospital. On you way back to the Phoenix Hall, a branch drops on your head. You look up and see Yin Zhen. He's up on the tree, holding another branch.
Xiu Ying: What does the Fourth Prince want with me?
Yin Zhen: Is that how you talk to me? Did something bad happen to you?
Xiu Ying: Not really, just that I'm too hated. Would you be happy about that?
Yin Zhen: I don't think I would be. However, it might not be possible to solve all problems by just one person. You might come back to me for help eventually.
You roll your eyes at Yin Zhen, and decide that Yin Zhen would be the last person you'd seek help from.
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Eunuch Yin has finished his talk with Shi Lian as you get back.
Eunuch Yin: I swear that I'm telling the truth. The person wrapped his face and hair and everything. I couldn't see anything!
Shi Lian: [Whispers to you] I tried everything but that's all he says. Still I find him suspicious.
You pat her on the back and turn to look at Eunuch Yin.
Eunuch Yin: [Contemplating] I was just thinking... If that person covered himself so much, could it have been Bernie? His looks really stand out since his hair and eyes are very different.
Eunuch Yin speaks up during your silence.
Eunuch Yin: Plus, only Bernie had the time to poison the painting.
Xiu Ying: However, a lot of people touched the painting that day, and everyone is fine except for Princess Qing.
Eunuch Yin: That might not be so important. Many types of poison will have a delayed reaction. I read that in a script.
Xiu Ying: You sure are level headed now. That's a good analysis.
Eunuch Yin: [Awkwardly] I want to find the culprit too so I can be proven innocent!
Shi Lian still looks confused after Eunuch Yin leaves.
Xiu Ying: I won't trust him that easily, but we'll have to see if he's a rat later. Either way, Bernie is the most suspicious. Let's go to the studio tomorrow.
You hear chatter coming from the studio when you arrive there with Shi Lian the next day. The voices belong to Bernie and Yin Zhen. You want to leave and come back another day when you hear Yin Zhen's voice. As you turn you see Bernie's apprentice drying the paintings.
Xiu Ying: [Go up] These paintings looks gorgeous.
Apprentice: It's the lady! Are you looking for the master? He's talking with the Fourth Prince. I'll get him now.
You stop the apprentice right away. How do you explain the situation?
Xiu Ying: Don't worry, I don't want to butt into their conversation right now. I'll be back another day.
Apprentice: Master is always happy when the Fourth Prince shows.
Xiu Ying: He comes here often I suppose? Is he close with your master?
Apprentice: He does come here a lot, and they are close. My master says they get along really well!
You find out quite a bit during your talk with the apprentice. One thing that catches you attention is the the paint Bernie used on that day was a gift from Yin Zhen.
Apprentice: It took Fourth Prince a lot of effort to get that paint. Master said it was of exceptional quality and loved it. So when His Majesty ordered the portraits, masters naturally chose the best paint.
You feel your heart pounding after hearing the apprentice.
Xiu Ying: (Why did it lead to Yin Zhen?)
Yin Zhen: The apprentice is hanging the paintings, and the lady is hanging out.
Yin Zhen's deep voice with a chuckle comes from behind you. You get tense and turn around to see Yin Zhen smiling.
Xiu Ying: Good sun today. Rare opportunity to see these famous paintings up close too.
You regret saying that. It seem obvious that you're hiding something. That's why they say Yin Zhen is unfathomable. Even you get nervous.
Yin Zhen: Well then take your time viewing. I'm a bit busy, so bye for now.
Yin Zhen leaves without any hesitation. But for some reason it looks like he's giving you a chance to enter the studio...
