Xie Qi's words hit the empress dowager's heart like a heavy hammer. Her face turned pale in an instant and tears burst out uncontrollably again.

Thinking of the hardships her own flesh and blood had endured among the common people, the Queen Mother felt a pang of grief, wanting to die. She sobbed and murmured, "Can I... let my mother... take a good look at you?"

Lu Xing sat there quietly, listening to the Queen Mother's affectionate words, his heart filled with mixed emotions. He subconsciously reached out and grasped Xie Qi's hand beside him, as if only this could calm his inner turmoil.

Xie Qi keenly sensed Lu Xingze's nervousness. He gently patted the back of Lu Xingze's hand and comforted him, "Don't be afraid, I'm here for you."

After hearing Xie Qi's words, Lu Xingze slowly raised his hand and gently took off the hat on his head.

The moment the bamboo hat left his head, Lu Xingze's face, which had been hidden in the shadows, was finally fully revealed to everyone.

Immediately afterwards, gazes of surprise, confusion, and sudden enlightenment were cast upon him. This was because everyone could clearly see that Lu Xingze's appearance was surprisingly similar to the current Queen Mother's when she was young!

Soon the banquet ended with the emperor's order.

The imperial edict was announced to the world the next day.

"By the Will of Heaven, the Emperor proclaims: "To allow the Concubine Dowager to cruelly harm the Imperial Prince is a heinous act that transcends the bounds of Heavenly Law and Human Ethics. Her crimes are grave and innumerable! This decree hereby grants her the death penalty, in order to uphold the laws of the land and maintain order within the imperial court."

Lu Yinjiu, the son of Concubine Rong, has a flawed character and acts recklessly. He must be implicated for his mother's sins. Therefore, effective immediately, this child will be demoted to a commoner, stripped of his royal status and all privileges, and forever forbidden from setting foot in the Imperial City. He will be exiled to Lingnan, where he will reflect on his mistakes amidst harsh conditions and accept heaven's punishment!

This order is to be executed immediately without error. [Imperial Order]

With the promulgation of the imperial edict, this past event that had been buried for eighteen years finally came to an end.

For Lu Yinjiu, although his crime was not punishable by death, he did not repent after learning the whole truth.

Instead, he blamed all the sins on Lu Xingze. During the confinement, he not only smashed everything in the room, but also gritted his teeth and hated Lu Xingze to the core, and even threatened to kill Lu Xingze.

As a result, the emperor's last bit of affection for Lu Yinjiu disappeared after hearing this.

Lu Yinjiu had lived a life of luxury and comfort for eighteen years, enjoying every bit of splendor and wealth. Demoting him to a commoner and exiling him to the distant Lingnan region was the perfect punishment for him.

From now on, Lu Yinjiu will personally experience the hardships and tribulations that Lu Xingze had experienced among the people.

At this moment, Lu Xingze was the real Ninth Prince. This shocking fact was like a thunderclap, exploding in the hearts of everyone in the capital.

All the strange stories that happened at the banquet flew into the ears of every citizen in the capital as if they had wings.

As a result, everyone in the streets, alleys, teahouses and restaurants was talking about the mysterious Ninth Prince and his husband who was like a god descending to earth.

For a time, the legend about the Ninth Prince and Xie Qi became very popular and became a hot topic among the people in the capital.

However, amidst this hustle and bustle, Xie Qi quietly faded from everyone's sight after the banquet. Those who came to visit him were turned away and ruthlessly turned away.

Xie Qi wasn't being pretentious; he simply felt too lazy to entertain all the visitors. Previously, he had only supported Lu Xingze in order to gain a firm foothold.

But now, Xie Qi knows that Lu Xingze's era has arrived. After all, Lu Xingze is the undisputed hero of this story.

For Xie Qi, simply standing behind Lu Xingze and offering him unwavering support was enough. He firmly believed that Lu Xingze would be able to shine brightly with his talent and charm.

As time went by, Lu Xing gradually got back on track as originally planned.

Not only did he show extraordinary talent in literature, being able to speak eloquently and write beautifully, but he also made rapid progress in martial arts, becoming agile and brave.

Lu Xingze, a man of both literary and martial prowess, quickly gained widespread fame and garnered countless accolades. Even Lu Feiling admired his abilities and was particularly surprised to learn that Lu Xingze hadn't formally begun his studies until the age of fifteen.

Under Lu Xingze's influence, the brothers in the capital slowly began to wake up and were no longer willing to accept their fate of being destined to marry as concubines.

These guys realized that they also had the right to pursue freedom and happiness, so why should they be inferior to others? Thus, a silent but vigorous reform gradually spread in the capital.

The brothers, who were originally of low status, were no longer willing to silently endure the injustice and prejudice imposed on them by society. They began to work hard to learn various skills and improve their own quality.

Some study music, chess, calligraphy and painting in order to stand out with their talents, while others are proficient in business and try to change their destiny through wealth.

Gradually, people's views on buddies have undergone a subtle change. They no longer regard them as just toys or accessories that can be manipulated at will.

More and more young men are successfully breaking free from the constraints of tradition and living independent lives. The humble fate once thought to be unchangeable is now slowly being rewritten.

Xie Qi stayed by Lu Xingze's side from beginning to end. No matter what Lu Xingze wanted to do, Xie Qi would raise his hands to express his agreement without hesitation.

Lu Xing and Xie Qi walked hand in hand through many years. Despite their deep love, they remained childless, a fact that gradually aroused the Queen Mother's concern and worry.

The Queen Mother took great care of Lu Xingze, often asking about his health and sending the best doctors in the palace to treat him.

After a careful examination and diagnosis, the imperial doctors looked embarrassed, but finally reported the truth to the empress dowager. Because Lu Xingze had been weak since childhood and had never received proper care, it was difficult for her to conceive a child now.

When Xie Qi heard the news, his expression was unusually calm, as if he had already expected such an outcome. For Xie Qi, his wife was his true love, and the child was an accident.

Time passed by like a flash, day after day, year after year, until their lives came to an end.