Chapter 452 The Marquis of Xuanping's Residence is Surrounded

Emperor Xiaozhao frowned almost imperceptibly, and said sarcastically, "The King of Chu is truly affectionate towards that girl from the Min family."

Liu Xin dared not argue. Seeing Emperor Xiaozhao's expression was not right, he quickly explained, "His Highness Prince Chu does not seem to have any romantic feelings for Min Pan'er. It is only because Min Pan'er impersonated Princess Xihe during the Da'an trip that she suffered great injustice. His Highness Prince Chu felt guilty and that is why he took such good care of her."

Emperor Xiaozhao glanced at Liu Xin and asked, "How much did the Fifth Prince give you to speak up for him like this?"

Liu Xin froze, then forced a smile and said, "Your Majesty is wise; this old servant is telling the truth and has not received any benefits from His Highness Prince Chu."

After bestowing the title of king upon himself, the King of Chu left the capital. Since returning, he has not yet had the opportunity to come before the emperor for an audience.

Moreover, His Highness the King of Chu has already had his purse emptied by the Seventh Princess, so where would he get the money to bribe him?

Emperor Xiaozhao was naturally aware of this, so he merely probed with one sentence before changing the subject, "Continue."

Liu Xin wiped away non-existent cold sweat and quickly said, "It's strange, really. The Min family's collateral branch didn't take in Min Pan'er voluntarily. After Min Pan'er settled in, none of the old folks in the Min family got close to her."

“Many people even avoid Min Pan’er and refuse to see her.”

"But, by chance, Min Pan'er went out for a stroll and brought back an old beggar."

"All the members of the Min family's collateral branches had some contact with that old beggar."

Emperor Xiaozhao's eyes suddenly lit up, "That old beggar is suspicious!"

Liu Xin nodded. "The people keeping watch also said that the old beggar was suspicious, so they quickly reported it."

"The Marquis of Xuanping's residence, the Min family of Huizhou, and the Min family of the capital's collateral branch." Emperor Xiaozhao chuckled. "It seems they can't all be allowed to live!"

Liu Xin's heart skipped a beat. He lowered his head, his eyes narrowed, and dared not utter a word.

Emperor Xiaozhao had a suspicion in his mind, and immediately ordered: "Go, have Yu Lei take three hundred imperial guards and surround the Xuanping Marquis's residence and the Min family's collateral branches, and await their judgment."

"Yes," Liu Xin replied respectfully.

"Furthermore, by imperial decree, Yu Rui is to arrest the key figures of the Min family in Huizhou and bring them to the capital, while the rest are to be temporarily detained."

"This old servant will go and deliver the message now," Liu Xin said, and quickly withdrew.

But inwardly, I couldn't help but sigh, the Min family is completely finished! I just wonder what fate awaits that eccentric old lady.

***

Princess Qi was confined to her quarters, and Marquis Xuanping was dismissed from his post...

When Lady Min returned to the capital, she was carried into the palace upright, but was instead carried out lying down...

Immediately afterwards, the Marquis of Xuanping was imprisoned, his residence was besieged, and even the collateral branches of the Min family were not spared...

For a time, opinions were divided.

Some say that Marquis Xuanping committed a serious crime.

Some say that Min Qiao was sent on a diplomatic mission to arrange a marriage alliance, but things didn't go smoothly, which implicated the Xuanping Marquis's family and led to their punishment.

Conspiracy theorists have also speculated that the Marquis of Xuanping's household was plotting a rebellion.

Without exception, everyone felt that the Marquis of Xuanping's mansion was truly doomed this time.

However, Emperor Xiaozhao only ordered the Imperial Guards to surround the Min family and prohibit anyone from entering or leaving, without taking any further action.

When court officials inquired about the mistakes made by the Marquis of Xuanping's household, as well as the stubborn censor, they submitted a memorial hoping that Emperor Xiaozhao would issue an edict clarifying the Min family's faults to prevent panic and the spread of rumors.

Of course, not all of these people were acting out of kindness and a desire to help the Marquis of Xuanping's household.

The vast majority were simply curious. A small number of conservatives believed that such actions were illegal. The remaining small group consisted of families who were on good terms with Min Qiao, who were helping to gather information.

However, regardless of their motives, everyone asked Emperor Xiaozhao why he ordered the siege of the Min family.

In the end, they all gained nothing.

Emperor Xiaozhao remained silent, and the few people who knew the inside story also kept quiet.

This only fuels the speculation surrounding the siege of the Min family.

***

The Enping Earl's Mansion, which lived next door, was the first to discover the northern perimeter of the Xuanping Marquis's Mansion.

Su Rongrong also received the news immediately.

Unfortunately, even after she brought up her identity as the Lady of Enping, she was unable to extract any useful information from the soldiers surrounding the mansion.

No matter how she threatened or bribed her, she was unable to enter the Xuanping Marquis's residence to check on Min Qiao's situation.

Fortunately, the title of Earl of Enping was still effective. After consulting with their commander, the imperial guards surrounding the mansion agreed to send someone to deliver a message to them.

So Su Rongrong wrote a letter, had it checked by the Imperial Guards and, after confirming it was in order, sent it to Madam Min Qiao.

However, Madam Min sent word that everything was fine and that Madam Min should not interfere.

She was also told to tell Madam Zheng and the others that they didn't need to worry about her, let alone the Xuanping Marquis's residence.

They simply said that everything would be decided by His Majesty.

So Su Rongrong relayed Min Qiaoshi's words to Madam Zheng, Feng Yuerou, Zhen Huan, and others.

Su Rongrong also sent someone to the Prince Qi's residence.

However, they still didn't see Min Yuexi.

***

Inside the Qi King's residence.

Contrary to everyone's expectations, Min Yuexi, who had been confined to her home for more than a month, did not suffer, become haggard, frustrated, or despondent.

On the contrary, she lived a very comfortable life.

She enjoys good food and drink every day, tends to flowers, and plays with birds, living a leisurely and carefree life.

Aside from not being able to leave the manor, her life was so good that even the gods would envy her.

Looking at Min Yuexi, who seemed relaxed and unconcerned about being confined by him, King Qi felt a mix of emotions he couldn't quite explain.

"Lady Qinghe has returned."

Min Yuexi's usually serene face instantly lit up with surprise. "Really? My grandmother is back?"

The Prince of Qi looked at Min Yuexi with a strange expression, at this Princess Qi whom he had only married for profit, and said in a nonchalant tone, "She returned a few days ago."

Min Yuexi frowned slightly, before she could even question why she hadn't been told sooner.

Then King Qi continued, "On the day she returned, Lady Qinghe was summoned to the palace, and then a little over an hour later, she was carried out."

"What happened?!" Min Yuexi's expression changed drastically, and she asked anxiously, "Is my grandmother alright?"

The King of Qi paused for a moment, then said, "Your grandmother is fine, but your father was imprisoned in the Dali Temple the next day."

King Qi was waiting for Min Yuexi to change her expression.

Min Yuexi did indeed change her expression, but it was completely different from what King Qi had imagined.

Upon hearing his words, Min Yuexi paused slightly before breaking into a smile and saying in a relaxed tone, "It's good that my grandmother is alright."

King Qi frowned slightly. "You are so calm and composed. Are you so certain that your grandmother can turn the tide and save the Marquis of Xuanping's mansion?"

Min Yuexi smiled and turned to look at Prince Qi. "Didn't you also have hopes for my grandmother? Otherwise, you wouldn't have married me in the first place. And you wouldn't just be keeping me locked up now."

King Qi sighed, "Perhaps we have all overestimated your grandmother."

Min Yuexi's smile faded. "What do you mean by that, Your Highness?"

The Prince of Qi smiled bitterly, “My father sent the Imperial Guards to surround the Marquis of Xuanping’s residence. All the collateral branches of the Min family have also been surrounded. It is said that the Min family members from your clan’s territory in Huizhou will soon be escorted to the capital.”

The King of Qi announced the result expressionlessly: "Your Min clan is finished. And you, the Queen Consort of Qi... are useless now."

Min Yuexi scoffed, "Your Highness is truly heartless! Is Your Highness planning to let me die of illness?"