Chapter 344: Your Highness embraced the wrong person?

The night was dark, but Xie Yao was still galloping in the forest.

Even though the guard commander and his men had been riding past her for a long time, she did not stop.

The guard leaders would quickly realize that she only had a pair of legs and couldn't walk that fast.

I ran so far just now, probably because I was completely angry and not thinking rationally.

And considering the time now... maybe those people should turn back.

Just as Xie Yao was thinking this, she suddenly saw bright flames gathering in the distance. Judging from the situation, there were definitely more than a dozen people.

Yes... reinforcements?

Xie Yao's heart sank.

At this moment, she heard a uniform shout, "Crown Princess!"

Along with the shouts, a white flag was raised in the night. The flag was particularly conspicuous against the firelight.

Not the emperor's man!

Xie Yao made this initial judgment in her mind, but she did not act rashly. Instead, she looked at it inquiringly.

She looked through the gaps in the woods and saw the person under the flag at a glance.

Even though it was only a side view, Xie Yao was able to confirm his identity instantly!

Xiao Ji.

Xiao Ji was leading his men slowly forward in the direction of the villa, calling out "Crown Princess" as he walked.

Obviously waiting for her response.

Xie Yao didn't hesitate any longer and made a noise immediately.

In an instant, Xiao Ji looked in her direction. Even though she was dressed in black and had a mask on her face, Xie Yao knew: His Highness had seen her.

Xie Yao rushed directly in the direction of Xiao Ji.

The same was true for Xiao Ji.

He immediately stopped the team, dismounted from his horse, and ran into the forest regardless of anything!

Si Nan and his men followed closely behind.

Although Xie Yao was walking in the woods, she was not very far from the main road. Although she was very tired, Xiao Ji was walking very fast.

Soon, Xiao Ji stopped in front of her.

Xie Yao subconsciously smiled at him, but when she felt resistance she remembered that she was still wearing a mask.

She raised her hand to take off the mask, but was hugged by someone first.

Xiao Ji used almost all his strength to hug her tightly. He didn't care even if her body was covered with dry thorns and leaves.

Xie Yao hugged Xiao Ji with her backhand, and neither of them spoke for a while.

Si Nan led the others to stand aside, and they all lowered their heads.

"Your Highness." After a long while, Xie Yao finally spoke, "It's me."

Xiao Ji let go of Xie Yao, but picked her up and walked towards the main road. Xie Yao subconsciously hooked her arms around Xiao Ji's neck, feeling a little embarrassed in front of so many people, "Your Highness, I can walk by myself..."

"You must be very tired after walking for so long." Xiao Ji said, "Be good, don't move."

Xiao Ji put Xie Yao beside the horse, and then he took off the mask on Xie Yao's face. Seeing Xie Yao's dry lips, pale cheeks, tired and weak appearance, he felt very distressed.

He pursed his lips tightly, and the anger in his heart was rising and surging.

Xie Yao gently tugged at Xiao Ji's hand and took the initiative to change the subject, saying, "Your Highness didn't even see my face just now, aren't you afraid of holding the wrong person?"

Xiao Ji answered as a matter of course, "I know, it's you."

It was just a mask. Of course he wouldn't be unable to recognize his Yaoyao because of it.

Xie Yao pursed her lips and smiled, feeling a little sweet in her heart. His Highness found her faster than she thought.

But soon, Xie Yao began to share with Xiao Ji about her arrest and the current situation of the villa.

In Xie Yao's current situation, she naturally would not rush to the villa. Everything was handled by Si Nan, while Xiao Ji took Xie Yao and prepared to return to Beijing.

After Si Nan led his men away, Xie Yao asked another question, "Your Highness, did my disappearance disturb your grandmother?"

Xiao Ji nodded and gave Xie Yao a reassuring look, "I know Yaoyao definitely doesn't want to bother grandma, so I've already told grandma to keep everything as usual."

Xie Yao was relieved and heaved a sigh of relief before asking, "How did Your Highness find me so quickly?"

She thought that she would have to rely on herself for the rest of the journey.

But His Highness was more reliable than she had imagined and expected.

"Not happy." Xiao Ji had no intention of seeking credit. Instead, he looked at Xie Yao with eyes full of heartache. His eyes fell on Xie Yao's hand, "My Yaoyao has suffered."

Xie Yao's slender hands, which had never touched water before, were now covered with tiny scars, all of which were caused by being scratched by branches and thorns while walking through the forest.

"Your Highness." Xie Yao stretched out her hand in front of Xiao Ji, "Although it hurts a little now, it will go away if Your Highness blows on it."

Xiao Ji gently held Xie Yao's hand, brought it to his lips, and gave her a light kiss.

Xie Yao immediately retracted and glared at Xiao Ji, "Dirty."

She was talking about the hands, of course.

Xiao Ji said: "It's not dirty."

"Then don't kiss me after you kiss my hand." Before Xie Yao finished her words, Xiao Ji immediately picked up the tea on the table, rinsed his mouth, looked at Xie Yao and said, "Is it okay now?"

Xie Yao was convinced.

Fortunately, although Xiao Ji wanted to kiss her very much, he had no intention of doing so now. After all, Madam Zhao had just passed away.

Xiao Ji knew that Xie Yao was sad and would not offend her at this time.

He wiped Xie Yao's hands with clean water, and then carefully applied medicine. There was an oil lamp in the carriage. Xie Yao lowered her eyes and saw Xiao Ji's focused and serious eyebrows, and she felt that her heart was filled.

what to do?

She seems to love His Highness even more.

Xiao Ji applied medicine to Xie Yao's wound, and then began to take her pulse. He did not forget that Xie Yao was still pregnant.

But compared to Xie Yao's safety, nothing else matters.

After confirming Xie Yao's physical condition, Xiao Ji breathed a sigh of relief. Although Xie Yao was a little exhausted, the fetus was still stable and there was no problem.

The carriage drove into the city, and Xiao Ji took Xie Yao back to the Prince's Mansion first. The mansion quickly became busy, preparing hot water and food.

Zhu Qing and Lin Xia almost cried when they saw Xie Yao for the first time.

The two of them did not rest either. At this moment, their eyes were red, and they looked embarrassed and haggard. Then they both knelt down, their voices choked with sobs, "Crown Princess!"

I'm glad the Crown Princess is okay!

Xie Yao quickly helped the two of them up, "It's a good thing that I'm back, why are you still kneeling down?"

"We failed to protect the Crown Princess properly. Please punish us," they said in unison.

Xie Yao supported the two men's arms with her hands and helped them up forcefully. "How can I blame you for this? I didn't even notice it myself, so shouldn't I punish myself too?"

On the way back, she had heard Xiao Ji's account of the whole incident and knew how he was framed. Naturally, she also understood that it had nothing to do with Zhu Qing and Lin Xia.

Seeing that Lin Xia and Zhu Qing were still blaming themselves, Xie Yao said, "Since you are my people, I have the final say."

Xie Yao showed some fatigue, "I'm very tired now, I want to take a shower and eat something..."

Zhu Qing immediately said, "I will help you take a bath, Crown Princess."

"No." Xie Yao looked at the two of them, "You guys don't look like you've had any rest, right? Go take a shower, eat something, and take a nap, then come and serve me."

Seeing that the two were unwilling, Xie Yao asked, "You don't even want to listen to me?"

The two had no choice but to do as Xie Yao said.

Xie Yao then looked at Xiao Ji, "Your Highness, this matter..."

Xiao Ji knew that Xie Yao was worried that he would be dissatisfied with her handling of the matter and would severely blame Lin Xia and Zhu Qing.

He just felt angry and amused, raised his hand and tapped Xie Yao's forehead, "They are yours."

He certainly wouldn't overstep his authority.

Xie Yao pursed her lips and smiled, without wasting any more time, choosing to take a shower first.

She was very tired, and it was very comfortable for her to soak in the warm water at this moment, but she did not soak for too long because she was really hungry, her body was tired and weak, and she was afraid that she would faint if she soaked for too long.

Zhuqing went to rest, and Yuyan became the one serving her.

"Crown Princess." Yuyan's eyes fell on Xie Yao's neck, "Is this a bug bite?"

Although Yuyan has always served in the main courtyard, she is not very clear about some things because she is closely cared for by Zhuxin and Zhuqing.

Xie Yao put her hand on her neck and pursed her lips slightly.

This is the place where Song Wenbo had gnawed, so I think he must have left traces.

Xie Yao lowered her eyes slightly, "Well, there are many insects and ants in the mountains, so I guess it should be that."

"Go get another piece of clothing and cover it up, lest His Highness sees it and gets worried."

Yuyan did not suspect anything and answered yes and immediately took another piece of clothing.

Xie Yao changed into her clothes and then left the house.

Xiao Ji was sitting at the table waiting for her. The rich aroma of food made Xie Yao's appetite whetted.

"You haven't eaten for a day. Eat something easy to digest first." Xiao Ji placed a small bowl of chicken noodle soup in front of her.

Xie Yao took it and asked, "Your Highness, have you eaten?"

Xiao Ji picked up another bowl and placed it in front of himself, and replied, "Now."

Xie Yao and Xiao Ji looked at each other and smiled.

They had already instructed their servants to deliver the news of Xie Yao's safe return to the Zhao family so as not to cause the Zhao family to worry.

Today is the third day, the day when old Madam Zhao was buried. Xie Yao and Xiao Ji changed into plain clothes and went to the Zhao family.

Because it was winter, the daybreak came late.

When Xie Yao arrived, the Zhao family's lights were still on. The Taoists had already gone to bed, but everyone in the Zhao family was still there.

Seeing Xie Yao, they all came forward and made sure that she was okay before feeling relieved.

Everyone tacitly agreed not to ask any more questions about the circumstances of the kidnapping, and surrounded Xie Yao to the mourning hall.

In a while, the coffin will be buried.

Xie Yao looked at the Zhao family and said, "I want to be alone with my grandmother for a while, is that okay?"

The Zhao family naturally would not refuse.

Everyone, including Xiao Ji, left the mourning hall, leaving only Xie Yao.

The mourning hall was so quiet that the only sound was the humming of the wind.

Xie Yao knelt in front of Madam Zhao's coffin, her eyes tinged with red, "Grandma, it's Yaoyao who is sorry for you."

Although Song Wenbo denied assaulting his grandmother, Xie Yao did not believe such a coincidence.

Even though my grandmother's health was deteriorating, it happened so suddenly that I was afraid someone might have contributed to the situation.

"Please rest in peace. I won't let any of those people go."

Soon it was the appointed time to bury Madam Zhao. With Xiao Ji and Xie Yao present, all the powerful families in the capital held roadside sacrifices along the way.

Until the sun rises, everything is over.

Xie Yao's eyes were red from crying. Xiao Ji wiped her tears, supported her trembling body, and said, "Yaoyao, you need to rest."

"Your grandmother just passed away. Don't let her worry about you in heaven."

Members of the Zhao family also came to persuade her, and Xie Yao was helped into the carriage.

She then said to Xiao Ji: "Your Highness, we need to investigate the Zhao family. I suspect my grandmother..."

When mentioning Old Madam Zhao, Xie Yao choked up again.

Xiao Ji held Xie Yao's hand and said, "I have already given instructions to the Zhao family to not let go of any clues."

Xie Yao got lost in the Zhao family. For such an important matter, he would naturally not miss any possible clues.

Naturally, the Zhao family would have no objection to this.

Xiao Ji was silent for a moment and then said, "During the investigation, there were indeed some things related to my grandmother."

Xie Yao suddenly raised her eyes and looked at Xiao Ji.

Xiao Ji said, "It is true that grandma's health has been deteriorating, but that day she also heard servants in the mansion talking about mother-in-law."

Xie Yao understood.

This is heartbreaking!

The person who did this was obviously very clear that the mother was the grandmother's knot, so he deliberately mentioned these things to the seriously ill grandmother.

No wonder, no wonder when she arrived, her grandmother kept calling her mother's nickname.

"It's all my fault..." Xie Yao felt full of self-blame.

Xiao Ji held Xie Yao in his arms and said seriously: "Yaoyao, I don't blame you." It was the emperor, Song Wenbo and others who were too bad.

Originally the doctor had said that the old lady would pass away in the next few days, and this rumor made the originally uncertain time certain.

But Xiao Ji did not say any more, because he knew that Xie Yao would not be comforted if he said such words.

When we returned to the Prince's Mansion, Si Nan had already returned with his men.

"Your Highness, Crown Princess, the person has been brought back." He was naturally referring to Xie Yujiao, whom Xie Yao had not had time to kill.

Xie Yao subconsciously looked in the direction of Xiao Ji.

But Xiao Ji only said, "Yaoyao can handle it."

Xie Yao said: "Bring her here."

Xie Yujiao was brought up, and Xiao Ji left tactfully, choosing to interrogate the guards who were captured last night first.

Xie Yujiao was tied up tightly with a blanket, with a blanket of the same color stuffed in her mouth. It looked like her masterpiece from last night.

I think Sinan and others found the person and brought him back directly.

At this moment, Xie Yujiao was looking at Xie Yao with fierce eyes, wishing she could pierce Xie Yao's heart with thousands of arrows!

Xie Yao took the sheet out of her mouth.

“Xie Yao, you bitch!” Xie Yujiao started cursing as soon as she was free. “If you have the guts, just let me go. Don’t think you’re that great. If it weren’t for that idiot Song Wenbo, we wouldn’t know who would win!”

When Xie Yao climbed into her room through the window last night, the first thing he did was to cover her mouth without saying a word, and then she couldn't make any sound.

Even when Xie Yao interrogated her, she was asked to nod and shake her head, and even asked her to gesture the route.

Unfortunately, the room was too empty, and she couldn't even make some noise to alert those stupid guards.

Xie Yao looked at her with cold eyes.

Being looked at in such a manner, Xie Yujiao became speechless for a moment and felt a little afraid, but soon, more anger surged into Xie Yujiao's heart.

Fear?

Why should she be afraid of Xie Yao?

If she could, she would kill Xie Yao right now!

"Where's Xiao Ji?" Xie Yujiao looked around and asked, "Where is Xiao Ji? Does he know that you have actually lived a lifetime?"

"Does he know that you used to be Song Wenbo's woman? Marrying Song Wenbo... wouldn't be easy for you, right? Hahaha..."

Perhaps thinking that Xie Yao might have been treated the same way as her, Xie Yujiao smiled with great pride, "Xie Yao, does Xiao Ji know that you are a thing that has been slept with by thousands of people and ridden by thousands of people?"

Xie Yujiao thought she had grasped Xie Yao's weaknesses and shortcomings, and was still laughing in smugness, but she didn't notice that every time she said a word, Xie Yao's gaze towards her became three points colder.

What Xie Yujiao said...

Of course she wouldn't let His Highness know!

Now she loves His Highness very much, and His Highness loves her too, but to her it only means the present, and she will not personally hand over her weaknesses and shortcomings to others.

Even if that person is Xiao Ji.

It was as if she was covering up the marks on her neck and was not going to tell Xiao Ji.

She should always leave room for herself.

"Are you tired of talking?" Xie Yao interrupted Xie Yujiao, picked up the bowl beside her and brought it to Xie Yujiao's mouth, "If you are tired of talking, just drink some water."

Xie Yao's voice was calm and her expression was indifferent.

After Xie Yujiao's anger, she was filled with fear. Could Xie Yao be so kind?

No, this water is wrong.

Xie Yao wants to silence me!

Realizing this, Xie Yujiao immediately moved back, trying to avoid the bowl that Xie Yao brought to her mouth, and shouted, "Xiao Ji, Xiao Ji! Xie Yao is cheating on you... mmm..."

Before Xie Yujiao finished speaking, Xie Yao poured water into her mouth.

Xie Yujiao looked at Xie Yao in disbelief, "You, you will not die well, you will not die well, you will not die well..."

Her voice gradually faded away.

Xie Yao lowered her eyes and looked at her, without explaining that because she was obedient in her previous life, Song Wenbo never asked anyone to deal with her.

After all, no man wants to be cuckolded unless he is sick.

Let Xie Yujiao think so, if it can make her leave happily.

Soon, Xie Yujiao fell to the ground and died.

Xie Yao sat quietly in the room for a long time before she walked out and said to Lin Xia who was standing by the door, "It's burned."

This time, she must not leave any trouble behind like last time, so she chose to do it herself.

Xie Yao left this remote courtyard and never looked back.

The truth behind her kidnapping this time was already very clear. Song Wenbo, Xie Yujiao, and even the emperor had heard from somewhere that killing her on the day when the seven stars were aligned, or letting Xie Yujiao die with her, could reverse time.

The emperor, Song Wenbo and others all wanted to go back to the past.

Of course, Song Wenbo was sent to the emperor by Xiao Ning, using this information in exchange for the emperor's help in regaining her freedom.

The first reason why the emperor did not resist even though he had power outside the palace was that those forces had limited manpower and were no match for Xiao Ji.

The emperor had lost the initiative and the people were already under Xiao Ji's control. Besides, the emperor felt that everything had to start over again, so it didn't matter.

Now Song Wenbo is dead, and Xie Yujiao is dead.

The emperor's fantasy was completely shattered. Xie Yao thought of a thought that flashed through his mind last time, and at this moment he became determined again.

In that case...

The emperor should not blame her.

The emperor was the mastermind behind her grandmother's accident this time, so she should fulfill her promise.

"Yaoyao."

Xiao Ji's voice interrupted Xie Yao's thoughts.

Xie Yao smiled at Xiao Ji and walked faster, "Your Highness, why didn't you take a rest?"

Even Xiao Ji, who hadn't slept for such a long time, looked haggard and not as handsome as before.

"Waiting for you." Xiao Ji did not ask how Xie Yujiao was doing. Since he decided not to interfere in the matter, he would not ask more questions.

Xie Yao said: "I want to go to the palace."

Her eyes were clear, but Xiao Ji had understood what she meant and asked softly, "Are you going after you rest?"

Xie Yao said firmly: "I want to go now."

Xiao Ji looked a little embarrassed, but he nodded, "I'll accompany you."

Xie Yao was a little confused by Xiao Ji's reaction. Did His Highness not want her to see the emperor? Did he still want to protect the emperor?

It shouldn't be.

But when she met the emperor, Xie Yao understood.

The emperor only had one breath left, and there was no need to be force-fed medicine at this moment. He just lay on the bed, breathing in less than he exhaled.

For some unknown reason, Xie Yao looked at Xiao Ji, and when she saw his evasive eyes, she instantly understood that all this was done by His Highness.

so……

His Highness didn't want her to come to see the Emperor at this time, because the Emperor couldn't say anything.

But contrary to Xiao Ji's expectations, the emperor became very excited the moment he saw Xie Yao. He was originally lying powerlessly on the bed, but now he was so excited that he seemed to want to sit up.

His eyes widened with disbelief.

How could that be?

How could Xiao Ji find it?

Many of the addresses he mentioned were correct, but they were all wrong. He didn't even mention the real address. How could Xiao Ji find it so quickly?

No, it's not real, it's a dream...everything is a dream.

The emperor blinked violently, only to find that the person was still there.

"Father."

Xie Yao's voice rang out, "I haven't seen you for two days. I missed you so much."

"You, what's wrong with you..." The emperor's voice was weak, and he almost used up all his strength to speak.

"I already know what my father wants to do." Xie Yao said, "Song Wenbo and Xie Yujiao have already explained it."

"But I'm afraid that I will disappoint my father." Xie Yao's voice was soft and her attitude was very polite, but every word she said was like a sharp knife piercing the emperor's heart, "Xie Yujiao... is dead."

"No!" The emperor suddenly said, looking at Xie Yao and Xiao Ji with deep hatred in his eyes, "Damn you, damn you!"

He glared at Xiao Ji, "I can even give you the throne, you——"

"Xiao Zhige." Xiao Ji called out the emperor's name directly, looking at him with disdain in his eyes, "I will take the throne myself."

If he had to exchange it for Yaoyao's life, he would rather not have it!

The emperor was stunned. He did not expect Xiao Ji to have such an attitude. Then he became even more angry, "Rebellious son, rebellious son!"

"By the way." Xiao Ji said, "For the sake of our relationship as father and son, I have prepared a gift for you."

What?

The emperor looked at Xiao Ji with some suspicion, his eyes full of disbelief. Could this beast Xiao Ji be so kind?

I'm afraid what I prepared is not good...

Xiao Ji picked up the brocade box that was originally placed on the table, half-knelt beside the bed, and kept the brocade box at a position almost equal to the emperor.

"Let me personally reveal this gift to you." Xiao Ji stretched out his hand and slowly opened the brocade box.

The emperor's eyes widened in pain, and his originally flushed face turned pale in an instant!

If he still had a glimmer of hope after hearing what Xie Yao said just now, then the gift sent by Xiao Ji at this moment completely shattered the last hope in his heart.

What Xie Yao said was true, she was really dead...

What Xiao Ji sent was Song Wenbo's head.

Xiao Ji looked at the emperor with cold eyes, "Xiao Zhige, you can give up completely and forever."

"Every day you live from now on will be more painful than it is now."

"I promise."