The emperor's gaze swept over the crowd; his eyes appeared weak due to his illness. He raised his hand, signaling Ning Hongxi to speak.

Ning Hongxi stepped forward and said, "This secret letter and the dragon-patterned military tally were indeed from the Emperor's hand. In other words, the secret mobilization of troops was indeed the Emperor's intention."

The group looked at each other in bewilderment.

The atmosphere in the Zichen Palace was very chaotic.

Although they had anticipated the outcome, it was still surprising when Ning Hongxi actually said it.

Surprisingly, the emperor actually admitted it.

How should we explain the emperor's earlier statement that Yun Zhuo mobilized troops without authorization? We can't very well admit that the emperor deliberately framed his own son, can we?

Yun Xun and Fan Tieshan unconsciously held their breath.

—As the Son of Heaven, the emperor is right whether he is right or wrong. Would the emperor really admit his mistakes today?

If that's the case, wouldn't Yun Zhuo's suffering finally be over?

"Father/Emperor will definitely not admit it, right? He is the Son of Heaven!" The two said expectantly. "The Son of Heaven is infallible. Someone has to make a mistake. Choosing Yun Zhuo is the best option. He can go all the way and make the same mistake."

However, Ning Hongxi said: "As you all know, the Emperor was poisoned by the Prince of Ding with the 'Pulling Silk' drug, which is why he forgot about mobilizing troops."

"After careful consideration, Your Majesty believes that this matter was the work of Prince Ding and Empress Shen, and not the fault of Prince Jing!"

"Although Empress Shen and Prince Ding are dead, their actions were intended to frame Prince Jing. Fortunately, the iron box has been found today, and with the evidence presented, His Majesty can finally learn the truth!"

After saying that, Ning Hongxi took two steps back and stood to the side.

Yun Xun and Fan Tieshan's hopes were dashed—although they knew from the beginning that the chances were slim, they still couldn't help but hope, and now their hearts, which had been hanging in suspense, were finally dead.

For a fleeting moment, the two of them could hardly breathe.

Just now, Ning Hongxi escorted the Emperor into the inner palace. It seemed that the Emperor had suddenly fallen ill, but in reality, they were discussing how to deal with the matter.

They actually found a perfect reason.

The Emperor continued, picking up where Ning Hongxi left off: "By imperial decree, Prince Jing Yunzhuo did not mobilize troops without authorization. It was all a deliberate frame-up by Empress Shen and Prince Ding and other traitors. Now that the truth has come to light, I pardon Prince Jing! I hereby lift Prince Jing Yunzhuo's confinement."

"Considering that Prince Jing, Yun Zhuo, and Ye Qingxue saved the Emperor, they are hereby rewarded with ten thousand taels of silver. This matter must not be mentioned again!"

Fan Tieshan: "..." He's finished!

Yun Xun: "..." Everything has to start all over again!

Only Prince Yu said excitedly and quickly, "Your Majesty is wise! If Your Majesty could issue another edict of self-reproach, that would be the best! Father's spirit in heaven would be pleased to see Your Majesty doing this. What do you think, Your Majesty?"

The emperor's eyes were like ice as they fell on Prince Yu, and he wished he could seal the prince's mouth shut and drag him out to be beaten dozens of times.

However, Prince Yu said, "Your Majesty, this is also for the sake of the Great Zhou. When Yun Zhuo was the Crown Prince, he was unjustly deposed; when he was Prince Jing, he almost died unjustly. He has suffered far too many injustices..."

"You mean, I have wronged Prince Jing? You want me to punish myself for wrongly accusing Prince Jing?" The emperor's voice slammed down, cutting off Prince Yu's words.

That was indeed what Prince Yu meant, but he couldn't admit it!

Therefore, he changed his words: "The Great Zhou Dynasty was recently hit by floods, which killed thousands of innocent villagers. If Your Majesty can issue an edict of self-reproach, the Great Zhou Dynasty will surely suffer fewer disasters in the future, which will benefit the country and its people!"

"You scoundrel!" the emperor roared, nearly losing his balance as he began to cough and sway precariously.

Doesn't the meaning of the King of Yu mean that he was incompetent and immoral, which brought disaster upon himself?

Huaifu immediately stepped forward and helped the emperor up.

The emperor was so angry he was about to vomit blood.

He glanced at Prince Yu and Yun Zhuo for a moment, then looked away. It was time to go back and rest; the matter for today was over.

Yun Zhuo suddenly spoke up: "Father, please wait!"

The emperor stopped and looked down at Yun Zhuo from the high platform, asking with displeasure, "What is it?"

It seemed as if they would drag him out and execute him if he dared to say the same thing as the Prince of Yu.

However, Yun Zhuo cupped his hands and said, "Your subject and Ye Qingxue have gone through life and death together, and we are deeply in love. We cannot live without each other in this life. I beg Your Majesty to grant us marriage!"

—As for the Emperor's edict of self-reproach, it would be more effective if other officials submitted their own memorials requesting the same response at the same time. Hmm!

...

When Yun Zhuo was taken to the palace, Ye Qingxue secretly sneaked into the tunnel and changed into her own clothes.

After exiting the secret passage, she began walking towards the Marquis's residence.

On the street near the Marquis's residence, she suddenly heard gongs and drums. Ye Qingxue was extremely sleepy, her eyelids were about to close, and her injuries were throbbing. All she wanted to do was go back to sleep. She had no interest in such excitement at the moment.

Perhaps after I wake up, I'll hear good news from Yun Zhuo.

However, amidst the sound of gongs and drums, she heard information related to herself. After thinking for a moment, Ye Qingxue still leaned closer to the crowd to listen.

Only then did they realize that the Pan family had arranged a team of about twenty people to beat drums and gongs in the street while saying things about Ye Qingxue: "She seduced Young Master Pan to take a sword for her, and then tried to curry favor with the prince to become his consort. She is utterly shameless!"

Ye Qingxue: "..."

The local people who heard what the Pan family's group said hurled extremely offensive insults at her, which were simply unbearable to watch!

Although she was indeed very grateful to Pan Heng for risking his life to save her, there are many ways to repay a debt of gratitude, and it does not necessarily have to be repaid with one's body.

...For Xiaobao's sake, she would never marry anyone other than Yunzhuo.

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