Inside the prison.
The third prince Li Yuan sat on the ground with his hair disheveled, his thin clothes messy and disheveled, looking extremely miserable.
Overnight, he went from supreme power, seemingly within his grasp, to a prisoner. This catastrophic drop dealt a heavy blow to the Third Prince's self-confidence.
The plan he had carefully prepared for so long was so easily shattered. Even one of his most trusted military advisors turned out to be an undercover agent who had been planted by the enemy for a long time.
This truth dealt a heavy blow to the third prince, who had always been extremely conceited!
All his efforts have become a joke!
The experience of falling from heaven to hell was enough to make him unable to recover!
At this moment, when he saw his royal brother again, the one he had been extremely wary of, dreaded, jealous of and hated since childhood, appearing in front of him with a condescending attitude.
The third prince, who had given up on himself, had a look of sarcasm and self-mockery in his eyes.
He sneered and said sarcastically... What was he doing here?
To show off the joy of success to him and mock the incompetence of him as a loser?
To satisfy the other person's vanity?
"I don't have such an idea."
Inside the prison.
Li Ci Ning's eyes were calm yet complicated.
The third brother in front of me, because of a momentary change of mind and the jealousy and resentment in his heart, eventually embarked on a path of no return.
As the eldest brother, he also has an unshirkable responsibility.
"When I saw my father yesterday, he told me something."
Li Cining looked at the Third Prince who was sneering in front of him and spoke slowly, "My father said that, in fact, you are more suitable to inherit his throne than me."
The third prince stood there in a daze. At this moment, he even wondered if he had heard it wrongly.
Then, he suddenly raised his head and stared at Li Ci Ning: "What did you say?"
Li Ci Ning said calmly, "My father said that I am too soft-hearted. The dynasty is facing internal and external troubles. Perhaps my third brother can calm them down better than I can."
"Originally, you were the most suitable candidate. But... you're too eager for quick success!"
Li Ci Ning was in a heavy mood. What his father said was indeed right. Under the current situation in the court and the country, in some aspects, his third brother was indeed more suitable than him.
but……
Likewise, no one could guarantee that if the third brother succeeded to the throne, he would not lead the dynasty to another extreme...
The third prince stood there in a daze, unable to come back to his senses for a long time.
Father, actually said that he is more suitable to be the emperor?!
this……
How is that possible?!
He stared at Li Ci Ning, trying to find evidence of lying on his face.
But, it didn’t happen.
Li Ci Ning's expression was calm, and he didn't seem to be lying.
There was no joy on the Third Prince's face, but instead an indescribable complex expression.
"No, it's impossible..."
"Father, since the Emperor thinks I am more suitable to be the Emperor, why am I not the Crown Prince?"
"Why doesn't he pass the throne to me?!"
The third prince stared at him and questioned him.
"You really don't know the reason?"
Li Cining looked at him quietly and asked, "Then why did the emperor keep you in the capital?"
"Why are you allowed to form cliques in the court?"
"Why did I turn a blind eye to all the little tricks you've been doing in secret over the years?"
"You really don't know this?"
“…”
The third prince stood there in a daze.
That already lonely face was now even more silent, as if he had belatedly realized something and was in a trance.
"So, Father still admires me?"
The third prince's voice was hoarse and low.
The tone was very dull, but there seemed to be an indescribable touch of... excitement and joy!
"Father, he really does appreciate me..."
The third prince's voice gradually became excited, like a naughty child who had received recognition from his elders for the first time.
Excited, uneasy, and a little cramped...
Various emotions flashed across his face. The Third Prince suddenly burst into laughter, then fell silent. Then he started laughing and crying, his emotions gradually collapsing, like a madman.
“Crash!”
The iron chains on his body were shaking, making a sharp sound. The Third Prince lay on the ground, as if he had lost all his strength.
"You are telling me this now, just to humiliate me?"
The Third Prince sneered repeatedly: "You win. I am not as skilled as you. The throne will eventually be yours..."
"But I still don't accept it!"
The third prince looked up, staring at him with eyes full of resentment.
"You were just born earlier than me, and you're just a little luckier than me... If I were born earlier than you, the position of crown prince would be mine!"
"be mine!!"
Facing the Third Prince's low, resentful voice, Li Qining remained calm: "You deserve what you've gotten yourself into today."
"You shouldn't, absolutely shouldn't..."
Li Ci Ning looked at him, his eyes gradually turning colder: "You shouldn't collude with foreign nations and betray the country for your own selfish desires and to achieve your own greedy goals..."
As soon as these words came out, the Third Prince trembled all over, his eyes widening in disbelief: "You, how could you..."
"Do you really think that what you did was perfect?"
Li Qining's face was pale and he looked very weak, but his eyes were fixed on him like a sharp sword: "Do you really think I don't know that those small tribes in the north suddenly stationed troops and threatened the dynasty's borders..."
"Doesn't it have anything to do with you?!"
The Third Prince froze in place, his face horrified and his eyes lost. But after a moment, he sneered wildly again.
"Hahaha, that's right, it's me!!"
"It was I who colluded with them and plotted to take over the Daning Empire..."
"Unfortunately, those useless guys are too timid to send out troops, and can only wait and see... Otherwise, how would you have had the chance to react?"
"Since you already know everything, why are you still talking nonsense?"
"Kill this king!"
The Third Prince grinned and stared at him: "Kill me, and you will forever bear the reputation of a fratricide. Even after I die, you won't be able to clear your name..."
"Even if I die, I will drag you down with me!"
Li Ci Ning's eyes gradually became cold and disappointed.
Finally, he said no more.
The third brother has completely lost his mind and will not listen to anything else.
"You're on your own."
Li Ci Ning said no more and turned to walk out of the prison.
The third prince was still sitting there, staring at Li Ci Ning's departing figure with resentment in his eyes, with a grim smile on his face.
Only after Li Ci Ning's back completely disappeared did the hideous smile on his face gradually disappear.
Until the end, he became completely expressionless.
His gaze was still fixed on the front, but it gradually became empty, like a corpse without a soul, devoid of any life.
…
Outside the prison.
The imperial guards of the Eastern Palace had been surrounding the Sky Prison, waiting for a long time.
"Your Highness."
When Li Ci Ning walked out of the sky prison, the generals outside the door came forward to greet him.
Li Ci Ning looked calm and nodded slightly.
"Your Highness, a large number of officials have gathered outside the palace for the past two days. Many ministers have been kneeling outside the palace to request an audience with Your Majesty. Some veteran ministers have been kneeling for two days and have fainted from exhaustion..."
A general spoke with concern, "The people are panicking now, and the situation is gradually getting out of control. If this continues, I'm afraid it will cause even greater panic..."
"These old ministers all want to see His Majesty, and Your Majesty..."
Li Ci Ning was not surprised by this result.
He said calmly, "My father is currently in a critical period of cultivation, in seclusion, not seeing anyone. I have been given full authority over the affairs of the court."
Hearing this, the generals around him immediately breathed a sigh of relief.
That's good!
His Majesty has now given His Highness full authority to handle state affairs, and his subordinates are much more relieved.
Li Ci Ning glanced at them and asked, "How is the arrest of the Third Prince's rebels going?"
"Your Highness, the mastermind and accomplices involved in the Third Prince's rebellion have all been apprehended and brought to justice. They are currently under interrogation and await Your Highness's decision..."
"As for those officials and noble families implicated in the Third Prince, I have not yet arrested them, following His Highness's orders. However, they are all under my surveillance..."
Listening to his subordinates' reports, Li Qining thought for a moment and nodded slightly: "It's almost time."
Li Qining said in a cold voice: "Pass the order to open the palace gates and let those officials and ministers enter the palace to attend court tomorrow morning."
"yes!"
"By the way, send someone to the Zhao residence and ask Prime Minister Zhao to come to the palace tonight. I have something important to discuss with him."
"Yes, sir!"
After Li Ci Ning passed on the order and was about to leave, another confidant whispered, "Your Highness, what should we do with the Third Prince?"
This confidant looked at his own prince with some concern.
Everyone knows that His Highness is soft-hearted and indecisive. After all, the Third Prince is His Highness's younger brother, and they are related by blood.
If Your Highness were to be soft-hearted...
Li Ci Ning remained silent and said nothing.
"Your Highness, please don't be soft-hearted!"
Seeing His Highness's silence, the confidant grew anxious and quickly said, "The Third Prince is plotting a rebellion and wants to kill Your Highness... This crime is unforgivable and punishable by death!"
"If Your Highness lets him go, there will be endless trouble in the future!"
Li Ci Ning was silent for a long time.
Doesn't he know this truth?
However, when it came to actually killing his brothers, he still couldn't make up his mind.
Perhaps, he is not suitable to be a cold-blooded emperor!
Li Ci Ning took a deep breath, thought for a long time, and finally, he spoke slowly.
"The Third Prince Li Yuan led his troops into the palace with the intention of assassinating the emperor and his brother. His crimes are unforgivable... On a chosen day, strip the Third Prince Li Yuan of his title and demote him to the status of a commoner..."
"Imprison the imperial mausoleum and never take a single step outside!"
“…”
Jiang Mansion.
lobby.
"Happy New Year, Miss Jinxiu!"
Lin Jiangnian walked into the front hall and saw Miss Jinxiu, whom he had not seen for a long time.
Dressed in splendid attire, the eldest princess's personal maid's slender figure was perfectly displayed. She was graceful, gentle, and possessed an indescribable ethereal elegance. Especially when she smiled, her face revealed two faint dimples, a sweetness that evoked a kind of inexplicable, almost natural charm.
"Your Highness, Happy New Year!"
"I hope you are well."
When she saw Lin Jiangnian, Jinxiu's eyes in the front hall lit up slightly, like a crescent moon, and she walked forward to salute with a smile.
"Miss Jinxiu, you and I are old acquaintances, no need to be polite."
Lin Jiangnian waved his hand and asked, "Miss Jinxiu, what's the important matter that brought you here to see me today?"
"Of course, I'm here on behalf of my princess to deliver a letter to His Highness."
Jinxiu chuckled and took out a letter from her sleeve and handed it to Lin Jiangnian.
Lin Jiangnian took the letter, which still had a warm scent and a hint of a woman's light fragrance on it.
He opened the letter and looked down at it.
Lin Jiangnian looked up and asked, "Your princess wants to see me?"
"That's right." Jinxiu nodded.
"What's the matter?" Lin Jiangnian asked.
Jinxiu shook her head: "I don't know."
Lin Jiangnian narrowed his eyes slightly. The eldest princess suddenly wanted to see him, so it was naturally impossible that she wanted to have tea and chat with him or talk about love.
What could be the reason at this critical juncture?
Lin Jiangnian seemed to be lost in thought. After a moment, he put the letter away and said, "Go back and tell your princess that I will keep the appointment as scheduled."
Jinxiu smiled faintly and said, "Then I will go back and tell the princess that I am waiting for your visit."
After saying that, he turned around and was about to leave, but was stopped by Lin Jiangnian again.
"Don't leave so quickly!"
Lin Jiangnian said, "Miss Jinxiu, it's not easy for you to come here once. Why don't you sit for a while?"
Jinxiu paused slightly, turned around to look at Lin Jiangnian, blinked, and there was a hint of meaning in her beautiful eyes.
"Thank you for your kindness, Your Highness. However, my princess is still waiting for me to return and report the situation~"
"There's no rush."
"It's urgent."
"It's okay, I'll just send someone to tell your princess."
beautiful:"……"
She looked at Lin Jiangnian, blinked, and said with a half-smile: "Your Highness wants me to stay with you so much... Is there any purpose?"
Lin Jiang said with a young smile: "It's been a long time since I last saw Miss Jinxiu. I miss her so much and want to catch up with her!"
Jinxiu blinked: "Just a simple reminisce?"
"Of course, if Miss Jinxiu is willing to discuss something else with this prince, that's not impossible."
"For example?"
"For example, the origin of the world we live in, the reproduction of species, or... the secrets of the human body's structure?"
“…”
Jinxiu was stunned for a moment, and when she reacted, a blush appeared on her fair face.
"It's been a while since we last met. Your Highness is as obscene as ever!"
Lin Jiangnian walked over slowly and chuckled, "Isn't it the same for Miss Jinxiu? You understood it the moment you heard it?"
"I haven't seen you for a long time. I really miss Miss Jinxiu."
Jinxiu tilted her head, smiling broadly: "Your Highness, are you really thinking of me, or... do you have other motives?"
“Both.”
Jinxiu sighed: "If your highness has anything to say, just say it directly."
"What does your princess want from me?"
"I really don't know..."
Seeing that Lin Jiangnian seemed unconvinced, Jinxiu added, "Actually, I was also quite surprised."
"How do you say that?"
"My princess seems to be a little off these past two days..."
Jinxiu hesitated, but still told Lin Jiangnian about the princess's abnormal reactions yesterday and today.
"The princess suddenly said she wanted to see you. I don't know what her purpose is... but it must be something very important."
"Not in the right state?"
Lin Jiangnian seemed to be thinking: "Princess, what happened in the past two days?"
"These past two days..."
Jinxiu was about to speak, but suddenly shut up.
"how?"
"I can't say."
Lin Jiangnian looked at her suspiciously, "Is there any secret you can't tell me?"
"Anyway, I can't say it..."
Jinxiu shook her head: "Won't you know when you see the princess?"
Lin Jiangnian didn't say anything and just looked at Jinxiu quietly.
Jinxiu's eyes immediately turned alert: "Your Highness, are you planning something bad?"
"What bad intentions could this prince have?"
"You have... there's something wrong with your eyes!"
Jinxiu took a few steps back cautiously: "You, are you planning to force yourself on me?"
Seeing Lin Jiangnian's hesitation, Jinxiu blinked, and soon revealed a pitiful and pretty face, with a look of pity: "Your Highness, please stop bullying me..."
Jinxiu looked at him pitifully, her beautiful eyes covered with a layer of mist: "I am just a messenger, I really don't know anything..."
"Okay, stop acting!"
Lin Jiangnian said angrily, "If this prince really wants to use force, it will be useless for you to beg for mercy."
"Hehe, I knew that Your Highness would not bully a slave."
Jinxiu smiled faintly, then winked at Lin Jiangnian: "Then, I will take my leave first."
"Go ahead."
Seeing that he could not get more useful information from Jinxiu, Lin Jiangnian waved his hand and sent her away.
"The princess and I will respectfully welcome His Highness to visit us tomorrow!"
Jinxiu looked relaxed, with a smile on her face, and left humming a cheerful tune.
Lin Jiangnian continued to ponder the princess's sudden visit. Could it be... related to the recent changes in the palace?
While I was thinking, footsteps were heard outside the hall.
Lin Kong rushed in, exhausted.
"Your Highness, there is new information in the palace!"
"Just now, an imperial decree came out from the palace..."
"Imperial edict?"
Lin Jiangnian's eyes suddenly focused.
Although the current crown prince has the responsibility of regulating the country, he does not have the power to issue imperial decrees.
This imperial edict...
"The imperial edict came from the Yangxin Palace..."
Lin Kong reported in a deep voice: "The Emperor who was in seclusion has finally made a move!"
"Not dead?"
Lin Jiangnian narrowed his eyes, as if thinking about something.
There have been rumors that the current emperor may have passed away.
Now that an imperial edict has been issued from the palace, the rumors have been refuted, but the mystery remains.
After all, the possibility that the Crown Prince had forged the imperial edict could not be ruled out. The Third Prince's coup successfully allowed the Crown Prince to legitimately seize control of the palace and the military and political power of the capital.
Nowadays, even if the emperor suddenly passed away and the news came out that the prince ascended the throne directly, Lin Jiangnian would not be too surprised.
"Has the emperor come out?" Lin Jiangnian asked.
Lin Kong shook his head and said, "There is no news yet that the emperor has come out of seclusion, but the imperial edict has spread..."
"It is said that the Third Prince led his troops in rebellion, committing a heinous crime, and was demoted to a commoner and imprisoned in the imperial mausoleum..."
"Those involved in the Third Prince's rebellion will be executed along with their entire clan and their property confiscated immediately after the evidence is verified..."
After listening to Lin Kong's retelling of the imperial edict, Lin Jiangnian's eyes were clear and thoughtful.
He suddenly thought of something... Could the eldest princess' sudden invitation to meet him be related to the emperor's decree?
And this, could this be a Hongmen Banquet...set against him?
…
Beijing.
This sudden imperial edict from the palace caused an uproar in an instant.
Accompanied by a series of chain reactions.
Imperial edict!
It has not appeared for more than half a year!
Since His Majesty went into seclusion for cultivation more than half a year ago, there has been no news from him.
Over the past six months, countless people have been secretly speculating: Did His Majesty have an accident, or has His Majesty already passed away?
As time went on, this news spread more and more among the people.
There were even rumors that the old eunuch Chen Zhao had plotted to murder His Majesty, keeping it a secret in an attempt to overthrow the court and seize power...
Now, with the imperial edict being announced to the world, it can be regarded as a reassurance to the originally chaotic situation in the capital.
Many people were already worried that this rebellion would cause chaos in the world and make people's lives miserable.
Now that His Majesty's decree has been issued, everyone is relieved.
As long as Your Majesty is here, those villains won't dare to cause trouble! As long as Your Majesty is here, the world will never be in chaos.
Of course, when this imperial edict was announced, there were people who questioned it.
After all, His Majesty never showed up!
This makes people doubt the authenticity of the imperial edict.
On the other hand, the content of this imperial edict also made many people increasingly uneasy.
The third prince was convicted and dealt with, so what about the others?
How many people will be implicated in this rebellion? How many forces will be affected by this storm?
There was no clear answer in the imperial edict.
The answers to all of this will likely have to wait until tomorrow morning, when the death dates of many people will be announced!
And this night, many people will suffer from insomnia and will not be able to sleep all night!
…
Beijing, Xu family.
The carriage slowly stopped outside the door. Xu Lan jumped off the carriage and returned to the mansion without stopping.
"Miss, you are finally back!"
In the courtyard, the maid Xiaolu saw her mistress coming back and hurried forward to greet her. She looked a little aggrieved, "Miss, you didn't even take me out this time... I'm so bored at home alone!"
Xiaolu expressed her dissatisfaction with the fact that her young lady left her at home and ran out alone to find Prince Lin.
"Oh, I forgot this time..."
Xu Lan chuckled and consoled him, "Don't worry, I'll definitely take you with me next time!"
"real?"
Xiaolu quickly became happy again: "Miss, don't lie to me?"
"No way!"
Xu Lan assured him, then asked, "By the way, where is my grandfather?"
"The master hasn't come back yet."
"You haven't come back yet?!"
Xu Lan frowned.
"What about my second brother? Is he back?"
Xiaolu shook his head: "The second young master hasn't come back yet!"
"Where did they go?"
Xiaolu explained, "The Master and the Second Young Master left this morning and haven't returned yet..."
At this point, Xiaolu seemed to have thought of something, and lowered her voice a little, and said cautiously: "Miss, I feel that the master and the second young master have been acting strangely these past few days!"
"Um?"
Xu Lan asked, "What's wrong?"
"that is……"
Xiaolu couldn't describe it either. "It's just that the atmosphere in the mansion hasn't been quite right these past few days..."
Xiaolu glanced at her young lady and knew that she was heartless and would not pay attention to these things, but Xiaolu keenly noticed that something was wrong in the mansion these days.
"Yesterday, when I saw the old master and the second young master coming back, their faces were very solemn, as if something big had happened..."
Xiaolu whispered about his discovery.
Xu Lan was just stunned.
A serious expression?
Grandpa and second brother, what are you doing?
For some reason, she suddenly remembered what Lin Jiangnian had said to her before.
Let her observe grandpa more?
See who grandpa has contact with?
Could it be that... he knows something?
Xu Lan suddenly had the urge to go to the Jiang family again and find Lin Jiangnian to ask him clearly.
That guy must have guessed something!
Deliberately not telling her!
"Grandpa and the others..."
Xu Lan was a little nervous: "No, what's wrong?"
Xiaolu looked a little worried, but still whispered to comfort him: "It shouldn't be a problem. The master has been an official in the court for so many years. He is highly respected and has many connections. He will be fine..."
After listening to Xiaolu's comfort, Xu Lan gradually felt relieved.
At this time, the voice of the servants was heard outside the yard.
"The master is back!"
"Grandpa is back?!"
Xu Lan's eyes lit up and he hurried out.
She had to quickly report to her grandfather what Lin Jiangnian had told her.
"grandfather!"
Xu Mansion, front yard.
A white-haired old man was walking into the yard, his face solemn and with an expression of unrelieved sorrow.
"grandfather!"
A crisp sound brought him back to his senses.
"Lanlan?"
The old man looked up and saw his precious granddaughter jogging towards him in front of him.
A smile appeared on the old man's face: "Lanlan, why are you in such a hurry? Slow down, don't fall... Is there anything you need from grandpa?"
"have!"
Xu Lan nodded heavily, and said seriously, "Grandpa, I have something very important to tell you!"
The old man's eyes were filled with doting: "Lanlan, tell me, is there anything important you want to tell Grandpa?"
"It's not convenient to talk about it here."
Xu Lan looked around and spoke hesitantly.
Although the old man didn't think the important things his precious granddaughter said were that important, seeing Lan Lan's serious expression, he still said, "In that case, let's go to the meeting room?"
In the meeting room.
"Lanlan, do you have something important to tell Grandpa in secret?"
The old man looked at Xu Lan, his eyes full of doting.
Xu Lan hesitated, wondering how to start.
"grandfather?"
"What's wrong?"
"that is……"
Xu Lan hesitated and whispered, "I went to the Jiang family today."
"Jiang family?"
The old man was slightly stunned and didn't react for a moment.
"Which Jiang family?"
"Then, Prince Lin..."
The old man finally came to his senses, his eyes gradually becoming serious: "Lanlan, did you go to see that kid from the Lin family again?"
"Um……"
Xu Lan lowered her head like a child who had done something wrong.
The old man wanted to blame her, but when he saw his granddaughter's expression, he sighed deeply.
"Lanlan, this is not your fault. Grandpa knows that you have known that boy since you were young... But, our Xu family and Lin family are now..."
The old man paused, but ultimately did not speak.
There were some things he didn't want to say too clearly, for fear of hurting his granddaughter.
"grandfather……"
Xu Lan knew what her grandfather wanted to say. Although no one had ever mentioned it to her, she knew everything.
"Lin... Jiang Nian told me today that he wanted to meet you, Grandpa!"
"To see me?"
The old man narrowed his eyes slightly: "That boy, what do you want to see me for?"
"He said he wanted to have a good chat with you..."
"Let's talk?"
The Minister of Rites' expression grew more serious. Why did that boy suddenly want to see him?
What is the purpose?
"grandfather!"
"Um?"
"In fact, he knows everything..."
Xu Lan hesitated, took a deep breath, and said, "In fact, the Lin family has long known that our family... betrayed them."
The old man's face was slightly tense. He had anticipated this outcome. The Lin family had such a wide reach that it was impossible for them not to find any clues.
Naturally, their Xu family had also made sufficient preparations, which was why he was in a hurry to bring Lanlan to the capital.
"Grandpa, the Lin family has done us a favor... It's really unacceptable for our Xu family to do this..."
The old man was silent for a while, then said, "Lanlan, you don't understand. Our Xu family has no way out."
"No, there's more!"
Xu Lan suddenly said excitedly: "He, he said..."
"Lin Jiangnian said that, considering the long-standing friendship between the Lin and Xu families, he can forgive the Xu family for what they did in the past..."
"He wouldn't lie to me!"
"He's willing to give our family a chance, so that Grandpa and Dad won't make the same mistake again..."
"He said, 'Grandpa,' I hope you can think carefully about this. He also told me not to act on my own and lead our Xu family to destruction..."
“…”
Night falls.
Zhao Mansion.
The lights in the study were bright.
Beside the desk, Zhao Chuan'an, with half white hair, was checking the memorials sent to him on the desk, frowning, and his old face looked more solemn.
"master!"
A voice rang out: "There's movement in the palace!"
Then, the visitor reported to the master the news of the imperial edict from the palace.
After listening to this, Zhao Chuan'an's eyes remained calm as he murmured, "Is the Crown Prince finally going to take action?"
Then he raised his eyes, and his deep and sunken eyes seemed to be filled with some brilliance.
"And His Majesty?"
"Your Majesty, did not show up!"
This ray of light then suddenly disappeared.
"master!"
At the same time, footsteps were heard again outside the yard.
Zhao Jing walked in quickly.
"Master, someone has come from the palace. His Royal Highness the Crown Prince invites you into the palace to discuss something important!"
Zhao Chuan'an had a calm expression. He glanced at the night scene outside the window and seemed to understand something.
He slowly stood up, and the servant beside him quickly put on his coat.
"Let's go, into the palace!"
“…”
Zhao Mansion.
In the inner courtyard on the other side, it was quiet.
Under the eaves, inside the room.
The lights are bright and the air is filled with warm fragrance.
First floor, outside the screen.
Zhao Xi, wearing a light blue, double-breasted dress, was walking barefoot on the carpet. Her long, white legs were faintly visible beneath the hem of her skirt.
At this moment, Zhao Xi was concentrating fully.
Just in front of her was a drawing board.
As Zhao Xi began to paint, a figure gradually emerged on the drawing board.
A familiar face.
The face on the drawing board, with its sharp eyebrows and bright eyes, was handsome and extraordinary. The eyebrows and eyes were particularly expressive, fully revealing the playful expression between the raised eyebrows.
Zhao Xi stared blankly for a few seconds, as if recalling some profound memories, and couldn't help feeling her body getting slightly hot.
I felt a little embarrassed and wanted to avoid looking away!
But his eyes never left.
I stared blankly at the familiar face on the drawing board, lost in some thoughts.
Until footsteps were heard outside the door.
"Miss?"
Xiaoyue's voice suddenly came from outside the door: "The Princess is here!"
The eldest princess?
Piaomiao is coming?!
Zhao Xi, who was lost in thought, suddenly came to his senses.
Looking at the familiar face on the drawing board in front of me, I suddenly felt flustered like a guilty thief, and subconsciously wanted to tear it off, crumple it into a ball and throw it away.
But just as he was about to do it, he stopped.
In the end, I couldn't bear it.
Carefully remove the rice paper from the drawing board, fold it up, and stuff it into a book on the table.
Just as he finished all this, Li Piaomiao, dressed in white, appeared at the door.
"Piaomiao?!"
Zhao Xi turned his head to look at the door, took a deep breath, quickly adjusted his mood, and a look of surprise appeared on his face: "You, why are you here?!"
“Come in quickly!”
Li Piaomiao at the door took off his shoes and socks, walked into the room, and stepped barefoot on the carpet.
Outside the door, Xiaoyue closed the door considerately.
"Why did you have time to come see me today?!"
Zhao Xi looked at Li Piaomiao with a delighted expression, but still complained softly, "You haven't been here for a while... I wanted to look for you, but I couldn't find you."
Li Piaomiao said, "Busy."
"I know you're busy, so I didn't bother you."
Zhao Xi sighed softly with a gloomy look in his eyes, and then asked, "What's the situation in the palace now?"
"Not bad." Li Piaomiao said indifferently.
At this moment, Zhao Xi seemed to notice something, his eyes fell on Li Piaomiao's face and stared at it for a moment.
"What’s wrong with you?"
Zhao Xi vaguely felt that her mood seemed a little wrong?
Although it looks normal, Li Piaomiao has always been like this in the past.
But tonight, something feels a little different?
"I'm fine."
Li Piaomiao shook his head.
"No, there's something wrong with you!"
Zhao Xi stared at her with a serious expression, "Something's wrong with you... You've even learned to lie!"
As Li Piaomiao's closest sister and best friend, how could Zhao Xi not understand her?
This reaction must be a problem.
Li Piaomiao was silent.
"What happened?"
Seeing that she didn't speak, Zhao Xi's expression became more solemn, and he became more certain of his guess and became worried.
What happened?
What happened that made this usually aloof princess even more taciturn?
"What happened in the palace?"
Zhao Xi seemed to have thought of something, and his expression changed slightly: "Could it be related to His Majesty?!"
Li Piaomiao glanced at her and said, "Father is fine."
"So what happened?"
Zhao Xi was puzzled: "Can it make you feel bad?"
Li Piaomiao looked at her and asked, "Can't I be in a bad mood?"
"Others can, but you can't."
"Why?"
"You're not like normal people."
Zhao Xi sighed softly, "I've known you for so many years, but I've never seen you let anything affect your mood... This is the first time ever."
"Can you tell me, what happened?"
Li Piaomiao was silent, as if thinking about something.
"Actually, it's nothing."
"Isn't that nothing?"
Zhao Xi clearly didn't believe it and met Li Piaomiao's gaze. It was calm, deep, and ethereal, like the cold frost of winter...
"Forget it, forget it, if you don't want to say it, forget it!"
Zhao Xi gave up.
She rolled her eyes and said in a resentful tone, "You don't consider me your own anyway, so forget it if you don't want to say it."
Li Piaomiao remained silent.
"I wanted to look for you, but now that you've come to me..."
Zhao Xi looked at her and said, "It's just right. I have something to ask you."
Then she asked, "Third Prince, was the army defeated?"
"Um."
"Then, what about Chen Zhao?"
Zhao Xi asked about the thing that concerned him most.
The third prince's rebellion was defeated, so why was Chen Zhao still safe and sound?
Li Piaomiao was silent for a moment, "He's fine!"
"Why?!"
Zhao Xi stared at her. "Chen Zhao is in cahoots with the Third Prince... Why is he so safe and sound?"
Li Piaomiao said, "The Crown Prince said it was the Emperor's instruction!"
"What?!"
Zhao Xi was stunned and asked incredulously, "You mean, Chen Zhao's collusion with the Third Prince was your Majesty's idea?"
Li Piaomiao nodded.
"impossible!"
Zhao Xi naturally didn't believe it, "How could he be His Majesty..."
Zhao Xi wanted to refute, but he couldn't produce any favorable evidence.
My instinct felt that something was wrong, but I couldn't refute it.
"Do you believe it?"
Zhao Xi asked her.
Li Piaomiao was silent for a moment: "That's what my father said."
"But I don't believe it!"
A solemn expression appeared on Zhao Xi's delicate face. She looked at Li Piaomiao and asked, "Where was Chen Zhao that night?"
"Health Hall."
"He has been in the Health Hall all this time?"
"Um."
"How do you know?"
"That night..."
Li Piaomiao glanced at her and said calmly, "I'm here too."
“…”
After listening to Li Piaomiao's narration, Zhao Xi fell silent.
Even if I don't want to accept it, I have to accept it...
On the night when the third prince rebelled, Chen Zhao stayed outside the Yangsheng Palace from beginning to end, and the palace guards saw it with their own eyes.
Even Li Piaomiao saw it.
Zhao Xi may not trust anyone, but she will not suspect that Li Piaomiao is lying to her.
She also found out that there was no movement from Mi Tiansi that night!
This means... everything Chen Zhao did before was most likely instructed by His Majesty.
After hearing the news, Zhao Xi was silent for a long time.
She didn't believe it, but the facts were right in front of her.
This also meant that her plan to take advantage of the third prince's rebellion to overthrow Chen Zhao had completely failed.
"Is it really impossible to kill him?"
Zhao Xi's tone sounded somewhat lost and unwilling.
But more of it is frustration.
"He won't live long."
Li Piaomiao suddenly spoke.
"Um?"
Zhao Xi raised her eyes slightly and saw Li Piaomiao's cold expression. She smiled bitterly and said, "I know you want to help me, but you are the eldest princess. If you kill him, it will bring you great trouble..."
"What's more, he has always been on guard against you. As long as he keeps hiding in the Health Hall, you may not be able to kill him."
Li Piaomiao didn't say anything.
Now, it is indeed impossible to kill him.
The emperor wouldn't let her kill him either!
But soon, it will be possible!
When his father passed away and the prince succeeded to the throne, Chen Zhao would die without the protection of his father.
By then, no one will be able to protect him!
Li Piaomiao's eyes gradually became indifferent.
He glanced at the depressed Zhao Xi, opened his mouth, but couldn't say anything.
She doesn't know how to comfort people.
She also couldn't tell her about her father's situation...even though she trusted Zhao Xi very much and believed that she wouldn't tell anyone.
but……
Can't say.
In the end, Li Piaomiao could only remain silent.
Silence is the main theme tonight.
Her cold gaze swept across the room, landing on the drawing board beside her, and then on a book placed on the table beside her.
Li Piaomiao picked up the book on the table and opened it casually.
…
"Even if I can't kill him this time, I will never give up!"
After a brief period of frustration, Zhao Xi quickly recovered.
She still hasn't changed her determination to kill Chen Zhao for revenge. Even if she fails to take advantage of the situation this time, she can still proceed according to the original plan... However, the plan may need some slight changes!
"By the way, Piaomiao you..."
Just as Zhao Xi was about to speak, he caught a glimpse of Li Piaomiao, who had a book in his hand and was flipping through it.
And that book...why does it look familiar?
Zhao Xi's gaze fell on the empty table next to him, and then looked at Li Piaomiao who had already opened the book.
And the piece of rice paper that was originally sandwiched in the book cover was just opened.
At this moment, Zhao Xi's eyes widened instantly and her scalp went numb!
It was as if someone had discovered the most shameful secret in his heart. A feeling of panic instantly surged into Zhao Xi's heart. He shuddered all over, as if he had been electrocuted, and a piercing chill surged from his back.
A feeling of guilt and panic surged into her heart, and her pretty face turned flustered and blushed.
"Piaomiao, you, you..."
At this moment, Li Piaomiao also slowly raised his eyes and looked at her.
The two looked into each other's eyes.
Zhao Xi's eyes were evasive, and he felt guilty. A sense of guilt of being caught cheating suddenly surged into his heart.
But...the situation is really a bit similar!
Zhao Xi didn't dare to look directly into Li Piaomiao's eyes. Her face was burning hot and she felt so ashamed and angry that she wanted to crawl under the carpet.
The joke before was just a joke.
But when the day finally came, Zhao Xi still couldn't help but... panic.
"so……"
Just when Zhao Xi was at a loss, Li Piaomiao slowly picked up the piece of rice paper with the portrait on it from the gap between the books.
The portrait above clearly identifies the other person's identity.
Li Piaomiao looked at Zhao Xi calmly, with no emotion changing on his face.
"You, really like him?"
“…”
