Ye Jingchun was originally somewhat dissatisfied with this.

Qiao Xiuyuan directly pointed out what Bai Mengying had done at the literary meeting, probably because he was afraid that he would favor the Bai family.

But seeing Qiao Xiuyuan like this now, Ye Jingchun's anger subsided.

As a father, Qiao Xiuyuan's decision to take people to the literary gathering was probably not for any ulterior motive, but rather an impulsive act driven by uncontrollable anger.

Seeing that Qiao Xiuyuan was being direct, Ye Jingchun decided not to feign ignorance.

Moreover, given what happened, he couldn't possibly pretend to be completely unaware.

"My dear minister, please get up. I already know what that girl Chang Le has done. Don't worry, I will definitely give you an explanation."

Qiao Xiuyuan knew when to stop and didn't kneel for long, but he also knew that the Emperor couldn't really do anything to Bai Mengying.

"Your Majesty, I thank you!"

"Your Majesty, I acted on impulse before going to the literary gathering. After returning home, I've thought about it a lot..."

"Lord Bai died saving the Emperor. As his only child, Princess, I should not have questioned her in public like that..."

"Your Majesty knows that a monarch's word is law, but I still implore you to withdraw your previous decree of marriage."

After saying that, he knelt on the ground again.

Ye Jingchun naturally agreed. After Qiao Xiuyuan stood up again, he tentatively asked, "What else do you want, my dear minister? I will do my best to fulfill your request."

But Qiao Xiuyuan shook his head slightly, "Your Majesty, I have no other wish but to remain loyal to you forever!"

Ye Jingchun made a comparison in his mind.

On one side, the Bai family was oblivious to the situation and tried to use the events of many years ago to continue to coerce him; on the other side, Qiao Xiuyuan knew when to advance and retreat, and did not hold a grudge, thus putting him in a difficult position.

The stark contrast made Ye Jingchun even more certain that the events at the Tiger Riding Camp last night were a deliberate setup by the Bai family to frame Qiao Xiuyuan.

Just as he was about to speak, he saw Qiao Xiuyuan suddenly clutch his chest, looking as if he was in unbearable pain.

"My dear minister, what's wrong with you?"

Just as Qiao Xiuyuan was about to speak, he unexpectedly spat out a mouthful of blood.

"puff!"

…

The news that Marquis Anyang had vomited blood and fainted in the Hall of Mental Cultivation spread throughout the palace in no time.

Most people were just there to watch the show, and they would also feign sympathy for Qiao Xiuyuan.

The Empress felt a little uneasy and hurriedly sent someone to inquire about what Qiao Xiuyuan and the Emperor had said, as well as the Emperor's current attitude.

Qiao Xiuyuan was probably the first minister to lie on the dragon bed.

Upon regaining consciousness, Qiao Xiuyuan glanced around and hurriedly tried to get up. "Your Majesty, please forgive me, Your Majesty..."

However, before he could finish speaking, Ye Jingchun pushed him back onto the bed.

"You may lie down, my dear minister. After the imperial physician has administered acupuncture to you, I will have someone escort you back to your residence."

Although the imperial physician had spoken cryptically, Ye Jingchun understood what he meant.

Qiao Xiuyuan fainted because he was so angry that he vomited blood.

Thinking about it, it makes sense. If it were him, he would probably be furious too.

However, apart from announcing the engagement, Qiao Xiuyuan did not make any excessive demands.

Qiao Xiuyuan nodded to Ye Jingchun and thanked him, "Thank you, Your Majesty, but this is against the rules. Your Majesty, please have someone escort me back to my residence."

"If possible, I would like Your Majesty to issue an imperial edict to allow Miss Su to come and treat me."

"This humble servant also wishes to meet Miss Su and personally apologize to her..."

Ye Jingchun naturally wouldn't refuse such a small request, and he didn't think much of it.

He immediately sent someone to the Su residence to deliver an oral message.

Qiao Xiuyuan concealed the smile in his eyes and, under Ye Jingchun's guilty gaze, was carried back to the mansion.

After returning to his room, Chang Zhong saw that the people from the palace had left, and hurriedly took out a pill and put it to Qiao Xiuyuan's lips.

After Qiao Xiuyuan took the medicine, his face gradually regained color.

He reached up and wiped the slightly dried blood from the corner of his mouth, then asked with a smile, "How are the preparations going?"

"Everything is ready, we're just waiting for Miss Su to arrive."

After Chang Zhong finished speaking, he couldn't help but ask in confusion, "Why doesn't the Marquis just have the Emperor issue an imperial edict to allow Miss Su to remarry the Heir Apparent?"

Qiao Xiuyuan said quietly, "If the Wei family hadn't sent anyone, it would have been fine, but now that they have, we can't be so direct."

…

Su Muxi was personally escorted to the gate of the Marquis of Anyang's residence by the eunuch who came to deliver the imperial decree.

"Miss Su, please go in quickly. The Marquis is quite ill; you must treat him properly!"

Su Muxi nodded in agreement and was soon invited inside by the gatekeeper, Lao Jiu.

All she knew was that Qiao Xiuyuan had vomited blood and fainted shortly after entering the palace, but she didn't know the specifics of what had happened.

When she was in the Marquis's mansion, she took good care of the gatekeeper, Lao Jiu, and thought she would get some specific information from him.

But the Ninth Prince didn't know either. He just said with worry in his eyes, "The Marquis was carried back. When he was carried back, there was blood on the corner of his mouth! His face was pale, it was terrifying!"

After hesitating for a moment, he continued, "Please don't blame this old servant for being nosy, but the Marquis is really good to you. I heard from the other servants that the Marquis prepares bowls and chopsticks for you every time he eats, and he also buys and delivers any interesting little trinkets to your room."

"Alas! If only the young master hadn't been so confused, you would still be the young mistress of this mansion!"

Su Muxi ignored Lao Jiu's sentiments and said coldly, "The past is the past. Before long, I will marry Prince Yong'an and become his queen."

"Lead the way."

…

Su Muxi was very familiar with the Marquis of Anyang's residence. When she saw the Ninth Prince leading her toward Qiao Ziming's courtyard, she immediately became wary.

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